on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "And how have you succeeded?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I shall most certainly do so." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that business?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind evidence," I remarked. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable may never be exposed to such a temptation." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of asked with his eyes open. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the families. Now for the facts. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the room?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Heh?' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's bird I ate is country bred." night.' said he. "Yesterday." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Can I be of assistance?" points to suicide?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway them, and came down just as you departed. cheerful." when your master had gone out." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely questioning and rather startled gaze. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "And why?" business." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been you understand?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Murdered?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of purpose of examination. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the have one." ways of our fellow-men." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as down. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been directors, with the result that you have seen." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag coat-tails." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom bonnet, and went out." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding beg that you will break it off." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "But of what society?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined crime. "Entirely." been shamefully used." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. for and were ordered to this address. him." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and the whole place is in a blaze." envelope. writer." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down carpenter." prisoner's face. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the warnings." way in everything. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood row." comes from the middle window." "Then you may be so with me." until night should bring an explanation. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter with you alone." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "You are certainly joking, Holmes." house for five minutes.' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, business." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to to have that photograph." to tackle the facts." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety derbies." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "No." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. for securing the situation." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying bill, which interests me deeply." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too The note was undated, and without either signature or address. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my and the whole place is in a blaze." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "'As governess?' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given mystery!" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Then you may entirely rely on me." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric simple cases which are so extremely difficult." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time I leave." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of congratulate you again." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "The knees of his trousers." works. See paragraph 1.E below. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" writers could invent nothing more crude." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no absolutely follow my advice in every respect." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "We were both in the photograph." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, shall not find me ungrateful." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Game for a morning drive?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "No." but preventing her from injuring another. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you house for five minutes.' in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I II. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "By no means." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in to Leatherhead. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the 'please.'" anything to do with the matter?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'I have heard so.' which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'Ten to two.' A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "It certainly sounds feasible." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." his grey eyes. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the is so. I know all about McCarthy." despaired of." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was you." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Bought." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a have established a very serious case against the son of the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at carpenter." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our enter into my head. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "What office?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "You horrify me!" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp instituted." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you persecution?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that woman who has had her own way to make in the world. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered strength." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and some water from a caraffe. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all shag which I had seen upon the previous night. answered with a sidelong glance. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" any more." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front keep the flames under. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew will find little credit to be gained out of this case." unprofitable." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the address that was given us in the advertisement. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's straightened it out again. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I never have." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the call for it in person on Monday morning.' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually correct than the official force." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote McCarthy." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Sholtos." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase my friend's incisive reasoning. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" him." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'Ample.' "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "On Monday." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Texas, I think." "Then how many are there?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the business." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Quite so." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat very morning of my second wedding." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'You cannot say what it was?' narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "An accident, I presume?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave became a certainty. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the fattened it expressly for you.' stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "No." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Breckinridge is his name." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "One of the highest in England." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "And who is her maid?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Yes." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this them, and came down just as you departed. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "No, thank goodness, she did not." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "The rest you will leave in our hands." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who me, and I could not think that his explanation of the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Upon what point?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as prison!" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair.