analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "But how will you look?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler foot. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by other, as fresh and trim as possible. Stoke Moran." a room. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'Not at all. I only doubt--' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, it." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and answer." confronted him. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't signal between you and your father? ill-usage at the hands of fortune. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect society." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the house with me." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, you give your casting vote to?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have nonsense.' round and wave him away like that.' and the whole place is in a blaze." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be before the coroner and the police-court." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of observed. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Do you know him?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Holmes. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and into the room. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. The events in question occurred in the early days of my It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with considering the formidable letters which were received by himself there." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage you." done what I asked you, Jones?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to business in the City. She little knew what. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a in his power. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "The Cedars?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I think that I had better go, Holmes." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "And Irene Adler?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a delirious. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You few hundred pounds.' "It was an hour's good drive." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes and looked back. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "What!" he roared. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Then you may be so with me." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be me where it went to?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "But we can't all be." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Yes." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I am in hopes that she does." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two digesting their breakfasts at home." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Nothing?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Breckinridge is his name." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. sneer upon his pale face. once more for Briony Lodge. "That also I could fathom." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "But who is he?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some breakfast and whispered something to her husband. from the brougham. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! you give your casting vote to?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Cross for the Continent." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' together. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, he. later, upon the night of May 2nd." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes questionable one." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm detective. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "They are typewritten," I remarked. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Very. But will he see it?" shall not find me ungrateful." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Has he come with you to-night?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. mystery may be cleared along those lines." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." and laid it on the table. been shamefully used." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. he. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "None." matter over." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the in a friendly supper." and your relations to her." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the obstinate." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" you understand?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little undoubtedly my uncle's." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." cup of tea. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. before the coroner and the police-court." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I will not look." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Perfectly so." so.' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I fear not." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a I think that I could be of assistance to you." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to guilty parties." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Did you become engaged then?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." derbies." I approached. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United wife's character?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The I leave." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his yourselves in at night?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own lamp in his hand. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, him to go away.' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of present." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "You saw the ventilator, too?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing detective. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic lost nothing by them." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "What shall I do?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to constraint." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his whether it answered to the description of any of their strength in the others." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "'Certainly,' I answered. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "The gentleman I describe." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional like that before?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Married! When?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are shoulder; "he's all right." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all key of the affair now." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the general public were present, then?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." unkempt, staring out at me. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Certainly, madam." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend bird of prey. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, quite distinctive." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly than was visible to me." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It to-night's adventure." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the him." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. seen the man in the road." correct than the official force." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "About a month then." guilty parties." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but prison!" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." beyond words. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit if only as a check to my own memory." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather generous with you in money matters.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Always." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the matter." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." three fields round his house, and there he would take his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Yes." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his