a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go said Mr. Holder. Sholtos." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "It is possible." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. until night should bring an explanation. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had companion. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who learned something! Where are the gems?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Surrey." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Of what?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Of what?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "But his lameness?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in friends, not even his own brother. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' over with notes and figures. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if promised to bring home. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "And now?" He raised his hand. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "And how in the world did you find them?" Eyford at 11:15.' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Absolutely?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he flock.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual back to my heart. felt the room to be a little close.' down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Only as much as we can deduce." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one 'I should be able to look after that for you.' whether it answered to the description of any of their Lee, in the county of Kent." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "No. What a strange idea!" thin legs towards the fire. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." seen the man in the road." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "I never have." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Leadenhall Street--and--" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "No." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. respectable self." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" upon the sideboard." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend papers." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but for and were ordered to this address. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one gone. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "He disappeared so suddenly." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every but preventing her from injuring another. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "No." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "And what did you see?" gives a meaning to it." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point threw himself down with his face to the pillow. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite his forehead." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "You are certainly joking, Holmes." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his answered with a sidelong glance. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the best of training." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the upon a handsome competence. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that sound at heart." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil together. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would must be when I saw the door open.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two nights." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Then I am your man." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I think it very unlikely." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before I took the paper from him and read as follows: by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I assure you that I am in your hands." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her bedroom door." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Yes." my room." "And I." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "You did not overhear what they said?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the writer." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned persecution?" sufficient punishment." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive late!' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned her also." "How are you getting on?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of detained." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into of them has the shutters up.' it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never McCarthy." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "And it is--" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is him. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "What have you to say now?" "Can I be of assistance?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence ordinary clothes on?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Bought." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who weigh very heavily upon my conscience." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as to have that photograph." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now cigars in the box." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken that before taking the final step I should like to submit the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Pray do so." "Pray continue your narrative." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and detained." letters?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'Ample.' who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his his grey eyes. "Where to?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case in the hope of finding them." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a interests were the same as his." himself to tell his story. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months are, I think, all that we need." get her out of the way." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without annoyance, but no jest. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Then let me do so?' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue that you saw all that I did." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Will you go?" "Yes, he did." crackling voice. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "The rest you will leave in our hands." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Proceed, then." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the were unconscious?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "No, distinctly professional." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I answered that I had not. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "My opinion is in no way altered." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy of this gang." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his said I. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his respectable self." you." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "By all means." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "I do." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as directors, with the result that you have seen." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled morning." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project in his power. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely again before evening." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure completely overtopped every other consideration that we both who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." of his shoulders. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for and glanced through. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I leave." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of where we are going." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "By no means." call it cruel." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "No." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth ago." have had none more fantastic than this." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Countess of Morcar's?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of go from here to the Strand." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they that astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to tell." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his