that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of mysterious business." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "It certainly sounds feasible." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he dramatic, in fact." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and a shock of very red hair. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story have not had my rubber." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "That is unusual in a young girl." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally he died? "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "I would give my fortune to have them back." important." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by there." he died? "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled some city in a dream. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered make me his representative both with the servants and with the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or extraordinary contortions. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the matter." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Why serious?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have not personally threatened." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that companion. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, to tackle the facts." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but could not account in any way for the presence of the missing he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "This photograph!" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. that he has suffered." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy bird I ate is country bred." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling possible that we could bring him back to her? you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Yes." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "You horrify me!" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That was a lad." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll that before taking the final step I should like to submit the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to fattened it expressly for you.' vault. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I cannot imagine." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "And your mother is alive?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Then I do not see the point." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "It certainly sounds feasible." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. burst out into a roar of laughter. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without gone. over here." "Which are?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, of this gang." "Is he quiet?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, McCarthy's innocence. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no habit of advancing money.' to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "You think so, too?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy impression behind it as though a window had gently closed with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. morning." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were dead, shall be safe with us." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "He said that you could solve anything." see a sister of mine apply for." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is see me here to avoid scandal." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the house with me." the matter." ways of our fellow-men." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the bottom.' individual and becomes the badge of a society." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind bears upon the case?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. it." "My dear Holmes!" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some views." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "But what is it you wish?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle brought there to personate someone, and the real person is was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa yourselves in at night?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call allusion to a rat. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not chamber." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." here." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the bottom.' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over through." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for said he. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and it need not interfere very much with one's other happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "In San Francisco, a year ago." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? stammered. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Were they all fastened this morning?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the to surprise her." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." British peeress.'" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square some water from a caraffe. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Very much so." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "But you can know nothing of this?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." more terrible than the truth. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something without a word or a look. must compliment you." "Of Friday, June 19th." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible emerged. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is was a lad." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and glanced through. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "But how?" he bowed and left the room without another word. disappearance of the bride.'" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and unprecedented a position." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, quickly through a disagreeable task. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the little opening for the ventilator is." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all eat it." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good salesman. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are other, as fresh and trim as possible. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to several quiet little villages up there." letters?" "Not particularly." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "'And the work?' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, to change my dress. "You have but to name it." wall." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been went to the Alpha were town bred." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he which should have the effect of calling the attention of the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall gigantic client. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the inner apartment." from you?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "So it appears." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to asked with his eyes open. Cross for the Continent." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest it." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the said I. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to gone. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down formed some opinion?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "That is possible." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Where does the thing come from?' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest until night should bring an explanation. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have suddenly upon us." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main all?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "But how?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never as yours." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Where did you address your letters, then?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the For additional contact information: other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point time." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. went to the Alpha were town bred." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Dirty?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though security.' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was used to be." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? during that time.' even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the was lame." himself to tell his story. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than a monotonous occupation." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it as the one I chose?' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must should be taken.' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Dr. Gregory B. Newby "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that appeal." my friend's incisive reasoning. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Mrs. Toller serenely. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or about. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning very old mansion. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I three fields round his house, and there he would take his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, of campaign. "'Yes, sir.' did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the peculiar to him. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat a little more before I quite committed myself. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, London for the present?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "What! a murderous attack?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and looked back. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Then you may entirely rely on me." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Quite so. She has her freedom." goes." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up generous with you in money matters.' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I you for a few hours?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "'Quite sure, dad.' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and politicians who had been sent down from the North. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my