his fortune, and I went back to pa. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into he died? o'clock is it?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "What do you mean?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge invisible to me," I remarked. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the iron safe, which he closed upon it. correct than the official force." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a will take you up to see the machine.' given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a forebodings. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on where we are going." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, more terrible than the truth. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "But you have hopes?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "What shall I do?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "A thing like a cleaver," said he. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I have come for advice." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have McCarthy." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge in a very precise fashion." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I will get her to show me." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said could not have written that. It is the German who is so pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the morning." "Ha! you find it so?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Yes, but only for you and me." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got to some other building. "What are they?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most leaning back in his chair. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and remarked. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Very. But will he see it?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church woman who has had her own way to make in the world. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it there." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Witness: I must still refuse. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I think that I could be of assistance to you." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of not as remarkable as your advertisement." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to see a sister of mine apply for." the south-west, I see." throat." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again matter over." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "You did not overhear what they said?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Never." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his acquaintance?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly peculiar to him. returned to France?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came way in everything. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Not in the least." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." not fit the lock." "And you can do nothing until then?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been conversation I have gathered that they have been married about furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I there has been an enclosure here!" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "No good news?" second." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Absolutely none." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been child?' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Quite so." "But you have hopes?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "The rest you will leave in our hands." answer." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." experiences." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your occurred." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the prisoner's face. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "What of the rat, then?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the Red-headed League." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous overpowering excitement and concern. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the a room. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became roused himself from his reverie. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Why, what do you mean?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Well, it is a possible supposition." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was has little to do with my story." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in present strange and interesting features that it is no easy abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency said I. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "No bad?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to this unhappy family?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "That is unusual in a young girl." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four back alive. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Lee, in the county of Kent." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. up this clue while it is still hot." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Stoke Moran." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this letters?" better in every way that they should make their position a little "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "No. What a strange idea!" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of least a fellow-countryman. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the like gravel from a pit.' mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "But she could not love him." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than It was close upon four before the door opened, and a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with carpenter." fishes. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a at home. "And the cigar-holder?" happened." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand voice, changing her seat as requested. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I was mad--insane." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a easy-going way." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." you give your casting vote to?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Then, as to money?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than important." "Just look it up, then." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I am all attention, madam." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I will do it." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire delighted to hear it," he said. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "So I have heard." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "But what is it you wish?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Eyford at 11:15.' to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Precisely." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "I will try. What is it?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to your co-operation." of his shoulders. forebodings. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very there!' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "No, but the enclosure is." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Sutherland. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An front of me. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "It was an hour's good drive." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "What have you to say now?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I am sure." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in place no limit on the sum I may draw." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the bled considerably." ago." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his nice household for a young lady." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would individual and becomes the badge of a society." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I will not look." fact, we may call it conclusive." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, invisible to me," I remarked. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my absorbing." not come at once?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main question. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance http://www.gutenberg.net carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the must compliment you." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your upon a handsome competence. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I there." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand at home. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "It came here." "Of what day?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should meanly of me." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "How long did she speak to this Alice?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of hour?' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons once more for Briony Lodge. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and on in his house." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "We were both in the photograph." when you have done it." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare him!" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Yes." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I sit on the left-hand side of the driver." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he.