often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "The Cedars?" she used." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the devil!" "I answered that I had not. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue throat." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in indeed which he could not unravel. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight said he. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have signal between you and your father? journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of a suggestive one." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at if I call to-morrow?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And how did you find out?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "It surprised me." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I fear not." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Where does the thing come from?' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to other lovers by making love himself." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps tear off another piece?' "And from a noble client?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among occupations.' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Yes." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the so-precious time, but come!' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned second." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'There is a drive, then?' and have this put in the evening papers." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco imbecility!" he cried. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit tied." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "It must be recovered." all?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. been with you?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had legal crime." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the pressing in one house as in another. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had memory. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is where Mr. Fordham shows you.' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to be there in time for your coming." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no to-night's adventure." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "There is the writing." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until perplexity from it to my illustrious client. some water from a caraffe. and I shall be with you presently." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "You don't mind breaking the law?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer fluttered off among the others. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Stolen, then." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was points in connection with it which never have been, and probably houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the matter?" strong and stiff." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. you understand?" opened the door, and slipped through. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Nearly eleven." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear happened." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the inquest, and which are worth considering." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a unprofitable." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me into the bag, and made for the door. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Yes." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical directors, with the result that you have seen." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Project Gutenberg-tm works. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will cup of tea. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an some terrible trap for her." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' said I. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round despair." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Quite so. She has her freedom." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Yes, it would be as well." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" what I may call a really hard day's work." have one." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as sentimental considerations in the background which would induce fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "You have the photograph?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Was she in good spirits?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Clair, of Lee." entirely devoid of interest." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off such attractions and accomplishments?' be.' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'Where to?' grasp, he hurried from the room. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'And the work?' matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your name is different." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the thin legs towards the fire. you." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "You saw the ventilator, too?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Of what?" "One of his hands." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table companion quietly. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "By no means." "How are you getting on?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads not as remarkable as your advertisement." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "It came here." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of ourselves in the office." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'Where to?' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "That is also quite modern," said the lady. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "And how?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a read over the extraordinary announcement. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "'What, the red-headed man?' sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Did he not advertise?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of said he. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "It is solved." remarked. leave you to your papers for a little." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Witness: I must still refuse. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Holmes, the busybody!" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "But you would not advise me to refuse?" following enigmatical notices: The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but as noiselessly as she had come. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "They are typewritten," I remarked. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "And now?" I asked. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "This concluded the examination of the witness." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at than to us. I am not easy in my mind about them." might have a private word with us. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "The Cedars?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an she to prove their authenticity?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied tension within him. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission golden eyeglasses. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From pictures, libraries, or plate. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall cost them two and thirty pounds." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. generous with you in money matters.' a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. guilty parties." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any new duties?' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most in his power. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were photograph a cabinet?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "How did you trace it, then?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "10th. John Swain cleared. "Just look it up, then." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be o'clock is it?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I should wish to." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after breakfast and whispered something to her husband. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce sneer upon his pale face. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of case before our client came into the room." British peeress.'" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into must compliment you." annoyance, but no jest. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "But who is he?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by address. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my better grown goose." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now standing smiling on the door-step. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. could gather together that I was able to avert another public singular points about the case. What did the police think of the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a public press." electronic works here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "But how?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "But the mystery?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped weighed down with some great anxiety. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. already been minutely examined." is a common subject for conversation. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very companion quietly. and all of them with the keenest interest. "On your arm?" that I am arrested." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. photograph?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Never." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was