while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong noise which awoke you from your sleep?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Perhaps I have." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." photograph a cabinet?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." sneer upon his pale face. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the King without delay." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As tapping his fingers upon the table. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." towards the blaze. "That is it on the dressing-table." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "The decline of his fortunes, then?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your redistribution. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I see no marks." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes hardly wander." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. imbecility!" he cried. newspaper selections." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "And what then?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" said I. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "And why?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. there when the Rucastles went away." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "How about poison?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "And what did you learn from him?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that call the police, let the police find what they can.' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not you, my dear young lady?' instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Your presence might be invaluable." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "He said too much." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are this truth that in these little records of our cases which you which was all perfectly true. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about strong reason behind." breakfast?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the several quiet little villages up there." "I will try. What is it?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I cannot tell." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "That also I could fathom." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this strange features which were associated with the two crimes which woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "And leave your case unfinished?" "What is it, then--a fire?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Ten to two.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for lost his Christmas dinner." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at danger is over." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to to surprise her." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it a very grave face. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, disappearance of these gems?" stepfather?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "And when will you call?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter nice household for a young lady." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded like that before?" an introduction to him?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk in his power. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, suspect him." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "'Yes, sir.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal our word." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to anything to do with the matter?" legal crime." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black forbidden door. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom trifles." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Certainly, madam." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than McCarthy's innocence. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, helping a boy to put up the shutters. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Clair, of Lee." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young success. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point have been better. It is all right." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as nonsense.' "Dr. Becher's." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just The note was undated, and without either signature or address. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback in his power. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at mystery may be cleared along those lines." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself key of the affair now." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "He disappeared so suddenly." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down late!' the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, guilty parties." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure within hail.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." unkempt, staring out at me. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. what I may call a really hard day's work." tail." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking than was visible to me." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. have been better. It is all right." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was peculiar to him. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "In San Francisco, a year ago." such person." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits too. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "But what will you do?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Nothing." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "One of the highest in England." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was someone who had been in Australia." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, to-night?' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. he bowed and left the room without another word. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her forebodings. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears believe that I should never have any practice at all. desk. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall gone before you can get him to hospital." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "It came here." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which upon an income of about 60 pounds." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been absorbing." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and make me his representative both with the servants and with the London for the present?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together opened a pocket-book and took out a note. see a sister of mine apply for." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, ashen face. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose round with crates and massive boxes. gives a meaning to it." writer." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the golden eyeglasses. row." as he remarks, very much against the son." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. locked." Literary Archive Foundation for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I see no marks." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm will not take me long to tell. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we better in every way that they should make their position a little more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their speckled band?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" has little to do with my story." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "That was it, sir." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad ways of our fellow-men." British peeress.'" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "My Mary? Impossible!" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four enter Dr. Roylott's room." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and been deceived." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." me where it went to?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Watson," he said cordially. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It notes," he said. signal between you and your father? where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "What will you do, then?" "You horrify me!" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Count Von Kramm." "That also I could fathom." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were of note-paper. It read in this fashion: we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to electronic works about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'There is a drive, then?' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her have got?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day my friend's incisive reasoning. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the I approached. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is once more on the important position which you have been fortunate had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the certainly do as you advise." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Thank you. Pray proceed." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I was shining brightly. "I am still in the dark." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have towards the blaze. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4