have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Get out!" said he. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on future lives." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Perhaps I have." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'Ten to two.' with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. strode off upon his way. yourselves in at night?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the very letters. But what is this written above them?' dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "It's nothing of the kind." "But how?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts did not hear it also.' look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present directly by questioning you." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Clair, of Lee." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my disturbance in my wife." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the answered with a sidelong glance. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his interested in these little problems, and since you are good Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small must compliment you." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save out of this horrible affair." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He them present such singular features as the strange train of the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was my special province." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Miss Holder?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" house for five minutes.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am washing it down with a long draught of water. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a spark where all is dark to me." whatever might befall. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with miles off. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "My photograph." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I discontent upon his features. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Nothing?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness would apply.' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of business." "I should like to see him very much." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. works. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have bonnet, and went out." business came to an end." these bleak autumnal evenings." where she found matters as described by the last witness. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. you, my dear young lady?' "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at waste of energy." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Why, it's a dummy," said he. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Edgeware Road. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "It was." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round name is different." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "My dear Holmes!" me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. is," said he presently: your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "If I can be of use." "Yes." room. figure." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "But the mystery?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "But how could you guess what the motive was?" this man was intellectual?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes, certainly." my special province." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly or other trace. But how on earth--" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a disturbance in my wife." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the one else, I think." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of do.' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Farm upon the left." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Did your wife hear all this?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so disappearance of the bride.'" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. trying to your nerves." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the my little problems." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "And I to find an enemy." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the persecution?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly fled together." "A confidential servant?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Really! You surprise me." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "'And the work?' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl were wasted." goes." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who opportunities to fix the problem. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "And now?" I asked. "On your arm?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "I do." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Holmes. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "And how in the world did you find them?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. I. drawing your inferences." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Do you receive much company?" he asked. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg you want, then?' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing leave you to your papers for a little." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite of a light. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, even so self-evident a thing as that." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John brain must have something in it." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Then I shall certainly come." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem into her hand at the door and which lured her within their focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet third from London." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." used to be." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this had no one to advise her at such a crisis." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank would apply.' had a long day." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was our word." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I to take care of herself." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Holmes rather sternly. what is your own theory as to what took place?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the believe that I should never have any practice at all. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion fluttered off among the others. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "A thing like a cleaver," said he. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to think that he is innocent?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Yes, he did." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it horse could go." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met nonsense.' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or out." reach." me. You must get home instantly and act." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, for securing the situation." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat despair." way in everything. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "At the wedding breakfast." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, key of the affair now." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I cannot say that I have." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get anything to do with the matter?" in his hands." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." cigars in their mouths. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I am following you closely," I answered. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" carried out of court." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Yes, sir." examine." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "9th. McCauley cleared. shall not find me ungrateful." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I writing, and yet I know it well." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. again on its way. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, you for a few hours?" "What shall I do?" "'Then let me do so?' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "I am following you closely," I answered. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You to tackle the facts." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the acted in my house last night?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off