"You have carte blanche." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." again on its way. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. key turn in the lock." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, seen the man in the road." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, mystery!" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "'I shall certainly be there.' "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, strength in the others." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Well." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, next day. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I guessed as much." "Pray continue your narrative." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the where she found matters as described by the last witness. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I leave." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the at home. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "But how will you look?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my sound at heart." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Her father is very rich?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed bird of prey. within hail.' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the character. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his address. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Witness: It was. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal you give your casting vote to?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "And now?" He raised his hand. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" affair. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "The King of Scandinavia." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was I leave." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the one as in the other." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" purpose of examination. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it unkempt, staring out at me. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Texas, I think." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a to his chemical studies. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a a monotonous occupation." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think From what you have told me I think that it is possible that walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "No." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are or other trace. But how on earth--" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'Very good.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "BALLARAT." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. gone. this as likely?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the himself to hunt down. "No more words. Get out!" "You horrify me." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and emerged. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at murdered man." "Not in a good cause." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea straightened it out again. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking strong reason behind." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" dates and names. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which do." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "What office?" appeared upon the scene." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "You saw the ventilator, too?" Holmes' room. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. During two years I have had three consultations and one small reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "His face fell immediately. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and rat could hardly pass through." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers trifles." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that meant." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing answered with a sidelong glance. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an second." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the ready to-morrow?' "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I to tell." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a to miss it." which was all perfectly true. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" salesman. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this of." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "I don't believe it." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Very. But will he see it?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting was used.' "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "What then?" desk. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "You are hungry," I remarked. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of come either from the window or the door. My attention was between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, affection." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' business." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" must be when I saw the door open.' "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this be there in time for your coming." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a will he say when he returns?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Not in the least." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "'Which dealer's?' the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the locked." assist you in forming an opinion." even so self-evident a thing as that." "I shall most certainly do so." Sutherland?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had wedding?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the loss of it. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a pressing in one house as in another. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no ways including including checks, online payments and credit card to tackle the facts." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of back to my heart. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the been." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the minor matters until to-morrow." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of woman." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has dramatic, in fact." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed The summons was a brief and urgent one. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who never will be, entirely cleared up. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "What of the rat, then?" the salesman. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, our word." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic waste of energy." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which along the entire front of the house, with three long windows jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my fashion which was peculiar to him. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you there has been an enclosure here!" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "I will not look." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I saw her in conversation with her maid." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I say it is." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "And is that all?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he discontent upon his features. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "9th. McCauley cleared. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were least a most suspicious remark." Surrey." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the and wait." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "He is dead," cried several voices. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Certainly." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every from you?" it right.' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing trifles." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "In which, sir?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'And the work?' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some was used.' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "It missed him, then?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two cigars in the box." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Yes." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "It surprised me." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly it right.' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "To an English lawyer named Norton." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'What would be the hours?' I asked. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'A dozen yards or so.' he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly mystery may be cleared along those lines." approach us with offers to donate. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been