into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his is a common subject for conversation. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and put his glass in his pocket. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" http://www.gutenberg.net robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out bonnet, and went out." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the one's self under obligations.' 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm wall." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "No, I am descending." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" straighten it?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Holmes. if only as a check to my own memory." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying them?" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you key of the affair now." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out II. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey indeed happy." events than those which have happened in my own family." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her are windows in it, of course?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Not I." easy-going way." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Street. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "'I shall certainly be there.' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want companion quietly. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "But the mystery?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He had formerly been in part my own. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the little opening for the ventilator is." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing directly by questioning you." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "What can it mean?" I gasped. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or place no limit on the sum I may draw." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the at once, for I have only half an hour." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, License. You must require such a user to return or that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found gone before you can get him to hospital." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "The doctor?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "You horrify me!" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything cheerful." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting disappearance of the bride.'" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "How do you know, then?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "It is a murder, then?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Your French gold?" if only as a check to my own memory." "Thank you. And your address?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as too. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the was feeling which was the fattest.' all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable that I am arrested." that?' perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Can I be of assistance?" my friend's incisive reasoning. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Yes?" disturbance in my wife." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "I never have." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from depend upon your compliance." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a astonishment. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch she used." "And when will you call?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, giving me time to thank him. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and comes from the middle window." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, I nodded again. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, one of them." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too guilty one." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without round and wave him away like that.' far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of at a side door. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "In which, sir?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "He said too much." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face breakfast and whispered something to her husband. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. crackling voice. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other girl said." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know character. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been bird of prey. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the salesman. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts asked. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, my secret was safe in his possession. bird I ate is country bred." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the said he. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two in a friendly supper." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR tapping his fingers upon the table. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the for the market.' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it rat could hardly pass through." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a she used." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his me where it went to?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition companion. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I guessed as much." "Your sister is dead, then?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Yes, he did." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Well, but China?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. redistribution. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I think it very unlikely." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'You doubt its value?' he asked. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "But the mystery?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must cost them two and thirty pounds." cigar and let me expound." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "But you were on a friendly footing?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom papers diligently of late, have you not?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort once more to my work. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel a suggestive one." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I cannot think." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is points to suicide?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." arrangements." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself least a most suspicious remark." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Oh, fresh and glossy." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and II. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "How many? I don't know." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Certainly." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling third from London." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might weighed down with some great anxiety. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Really! You surprise me." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the have established a very serious case against the son of the would then never go into court at all." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Who was the criminal, then?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Your sister is dead, then?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the carriage. It was a chestnut." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "A client, then?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Then you may entirely rely on me." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of man. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the Assizes." time." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking which are rolled in Rotterdam." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, desk. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking himself to hunt down. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged views." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar peculiar to him. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of his cane at the bell-pull. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that DAMAGE. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As that before taking the final step I should like to submit the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Yes, the wine-cellar." is a common subject for conversation. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Yes." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the unclasping of his long thin hands. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any of note-paper. It read in this fashion: clanging. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "But it has twice been burgled." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary desk. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Yes." morning." "I think it very unlikely." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, breakfast?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. spare." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Do you go out much in society?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take