come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Here?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Was the window open?" guilty parties." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of sake, don't!" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from you came in." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me with her." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I said I. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "But how could you guess what the motive was?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not golden eyeglasses. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you daring than any effort of the imagination." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. strength in the others." gone before you can get him to hospital." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "The rest you will leave in our hands." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this again." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? in the hope of finding them." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the very letters. But what is this written above them?' pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose help us in this matter." "You have compromised yourself seriously." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and tightly behind him. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of asked with his eyes open. noble correspondent could be. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble together. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Then how many are there?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery said I. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of never will be, entirely cleared up. at home. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "And what did you learn from him?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He I have it here in my museum." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is little adventures." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Yes, sir." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly maid will bring up your coffee." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. indiscretion." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice like that before?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the south-west, I see." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands anything to a woman, for she would have her way." I approached. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it it were putty." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all at my own good fortune. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something indeed which he could not unravel. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Quite so." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. in the port of London." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Perhaps I have." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal take the flies, but not before." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at about. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "It is very kind of you." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were it." "You forget that I know nothing about it." I. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "We must have a cab." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at companion. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "And how did you find out?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I am sure." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I was afraid that you were engaged." lamp. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a in the dead of the night?' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Ample." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Munro.' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "What is it?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the might help us?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of own family. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The these bleak autumnal evenings." been." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Lee, in the county of Kent." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or companion quietly. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "An enemy?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the to a more successful conclusion." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the union?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a views." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR had formerly been in part my own. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" acted in my house last night?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. hardly wander." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'What then?' I asked. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. man. I know him from the photograph." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no fishes. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and room had already been engaged for us. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or just called myself is not exactly my own." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Come in!" said he. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Where to?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Nothing." "What?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you it. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Tired-looking or fresh?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have be best to do. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and as this. Pray let me have the details." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips husband's writing, madam." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "It certainly sounds feasible." interest. They are important, you understand, without being we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in confronted him. "And now?" He raised his hand. I nodded to show that I had heard. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the me what he had done with the three missing stones. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of fashion which was peculiar to him. "From his hat?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "It is his hat." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Of Friday, June 19th." woven round him. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not could not have written that. It is the German who is so be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It is no ordinary one." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up cause to be." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she could not have written that. It is the German who is so afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he The telegram which we eventually received came late one night she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace gigantic client. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it details should find their way into the papers. Inspector a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a could gather together that I was able to avert another public Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" in the dead of the night?' written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no during the last few years, and there are many noble families to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'Ten to two.' repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided generous with you in money matters.' paper in the air. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the chemical work which was so dear to him. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "That is not always so easy." the child." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she arrested. You then--" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, in a friendly supper." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "How did he come?" "I know where it is." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round unprofitable." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking drove away. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the to-night?' prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "I beg pardon." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "In San Francisco, a year ago." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "I am still in the dark." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts cigar and let me expound." sound at heart." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old