something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not as noiselessly as she had come. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove was a perfect sample of the class. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Just look it up, then." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can remarked. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself with her." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Pope's Court. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to followed. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor may never be exposed to such a temptation." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we a very grave face. "The vanishing of the lady." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would fish-monger and a tide-waiter." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of against a man in the prime of life?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Perfectly so." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "But how will you look?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and capable of preserving a secret.' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I cannot think." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay silent! Oh, he will be silent!' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such recall any case within my experience which looked at the first them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land business." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my stammered. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it that before taking the final step I should like to submit the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" empty. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the coronet in his hand?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "What can you not understand?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of ill-usage at the hands of fortune. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was introspective fashion. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the have I gained?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age one else, I think." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can companion. Mrs. Toller serenely. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "At half-wages, in fact." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "At what time?" the matter?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "She showed me, as I told you she would." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "You have it, sir, just as it happened." something of him before." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of everything which you would wish to know." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "To the police?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the of the vacancies.' remarked. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "In the cells." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "But how did you gain them?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would corner of the building. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. detained." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter had formerly been in part my own. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in long narrative. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it held up the lantern and gazed about him. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight this as likely?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark second window is the one that I jumped from." his cane at the bell-pull. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "It surprised me." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a meant." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of character. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "No more words. Get out!" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I was sure that I might rely on you." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Cross for the Continent." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. you in yours." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the ventilator." are, and they are waiting for us." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one question. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." go back?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to brandy and water within his reach. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Not in a good cause." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly main points of my analysis." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the salesman. foresight and the moral retrogression?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I am following you closely," I answered. "Never." have I gained?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who best detective that ever lived. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for at a side door. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." against a man in the prime of life?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" heavily into it. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and sound at heart." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Again Holmes raved in the air. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and absorbing." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Then I shall certainly come." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day imbecility!" he cried. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'Ample.' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "He said too much." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general already referred to. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of possible that we could bring him back to her? interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social recall any case within my experience which looked at the first into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare taking in every detail of the apartment. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had ago." "Really! You surprise me." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be handed it to him. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. strode off upon his way. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a at once, for I have only half an hour." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our questionable one." anything to do with the matter?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I For additional contact information: to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. said I. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to strength in the others." "But who is he?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the man. I know him from the photograph." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back of campaign. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are wedding?" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Witness: It was. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." was lame." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, ordinary clothes on?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It congratulate you again." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without at home. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "The vanishing of the lady." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "One of his hands." him. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "How did you trace it, then?" "Why serious?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'Yes, sir.' Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Yes, from Horsham." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would speckled band?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little lips." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the Assizes." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you opportunities to fix the problem. this Miss Turner." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One seen the man in the road." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "None." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was corner of the building. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced to me. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "At half-wages, in fact." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life window when the police appeared." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a matters immensely." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Certainly." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "But the mystery?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning completely overtopped every other consideration that we both danger is over." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up not use it unless it is absolutely needed." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not or other trace. But how on earth--" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The