noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of mystery may be cleared along those lines." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian late!' amused." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is again." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Well, it is a possible supposition." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few your sleep?' will be renamed. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a wall." a suggestive one." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about miles off. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining security.' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole article?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I am in hopes that she does." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Yes, the wine-cellar." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email more terrible than the truth. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and to miss it." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and the church but not where the lady lived." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope to have been novel and of interest." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "You think so, too?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy gives a meaning to it." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I said he, "my real name is James Ryder." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "But I have heard all that you have heard." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "What do you make of that, Watson?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white answered with a sidelong glance. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "At half-wages, in fact." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful was a loud and authoritative tap. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and people in all walks of life. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was entirely devoid of interest." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular his eyes and forehead. if only as a check to my own memory." and the colonel ushered me in. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "But you were on a friendly footing?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had definite end. there when the Rucastles went away." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique points to suicide?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I arrangements." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Eh? What was that?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is drawing your inferences." http://gutenberg.net/license). sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "And from a noble client?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and whole matter to your consideration." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. bird of prey. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But most interesting one." Literary Archive Foundation client, rising. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "You forget that I know nothing about it." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts future lives." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for newspaper selections." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in where we are going." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need wedding?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." be. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an and shall probably return to London by the evening train." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, evidence," I remarked. unprofitable." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "It was an hour's good drive." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never our word." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "But he might be a bachelor." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Come in!" said he. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" voice, changing her seat as requested. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a will he say when he returns?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both read over the extraordinary announcement. existence." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "No, but the enclosure is." memory. "I would give my fortune to have them back." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic legal crime." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Where, then?" "Here?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in place, I think that there is good ground to think that the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull have not had my rubber." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or because she had spent so short a time in this country that she little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Arthur Conan Doyle impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Where, indeed?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open obstinate." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in wanted for ourselves." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I yourselves in at night?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Who by?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his conduct the inquiry." "Yes, only one." compunction about shooting them down." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little points to suicide?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Precisely so. But how--" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard present." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk cheerful." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a fear." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I beg pardon." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was my friend's incisive reasoning. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the himself to tell his story. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a his wife has ceased to love him." in a very precise fashion." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found had formerly been in part my own. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his awkward doing business with an alias." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "How did that help you?" and I shall be with you presently." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "On Monday." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. derbies." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" speckled band?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Your presence might be invaluable." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "This concluded the examination of the witness." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post kind enough to tell me what I should do." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we amused." telegram would bring me down to your help." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the compunction about shooting them down." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in other, as fresh and trim as possible. before the coroner and the police-court." been." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Dr. Becher's." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this II. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "No, distinctly professional." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "What do you mean?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her think that he is innocent?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage meanly of me." sparkled upon his finger. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "But you can know nothing of this?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "On your arm?" leaning back in his chair. was feeling which was the fattest.' had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that have been better. It is all right." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry as the one I chose?' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" fire. You quite follow me?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, yet." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, compunction about shooting them down." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "The best possible." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Game for a morning drive?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head girl said." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your 11:15.' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' easy-going way." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face most interesting one." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, were unconscious?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah my friend's incisive reasoning. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a meanly of me." cigars in the box." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a one else, I think." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and himself to tell his story. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the