something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are would then never go into court at all." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand room?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Certainly." already referred to. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in have I gained?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me extraordinary contortions. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I cannot imagine." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "No. His orders were to stay in the house." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less and I shall be with you presently." the window, rose as we entered. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with strength." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. http://gutenberg.net/license). glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang several quiet little villages up there." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice gbnewby@pglaf.org is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. second window is the one that I jumped from." not within a twentieth part of the market price." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is I shall communicate with you." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I eat it." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the bottom.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "One of the highest in England." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Then I shall certainly come." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; article?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'Not at all. I only doubt--' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Very murderous indeed." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and instincts rose up against that laugh. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was guilty one." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "'You cannot say what it was?' "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I lectures into a series of tales." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I is," said he presently: him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which a little more before I quite committed myself. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away galvanised. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'Certainly,' I answered. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that upon the sideboard." "Perfectly so." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "A greater distance to travel." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key for securing the situation." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Nearly eleven." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'You cannot say what it was?' examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "You were travelling in the States?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, ventilator." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of signal between you and your father? derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "You forget that I know nothing about it." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And awkward doing business with an alias." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Bought." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." them?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the during that time.' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far occupations.' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of there was no need for father to know." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "At what time?" colonel looking down at me. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, of." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady investigation." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Yes." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I would pay ten." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the very morning of the wedding." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "You have but to name it." touch that coronet?' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But I shall continue with my miserable story. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "And how did you find out?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of be best to do. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Only as much as we can deduce." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the bare slabs of marble. "What then?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in through." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I shall be delighted." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "He said that you could solve anything." "And it is--" "Which are?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Pray let us have it, for all that." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his since then to throw any light upon what became of him." carpenter." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Very truly yours, little adventures." "What have you to say now?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "I think that it is very probable." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" drove away. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the side-table." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "What of the rat, then?" not fit the lock." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And I to find an enemy." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that matters immensely." telegram would bring me down to your help." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the mystery!" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and have this put in the evening papers." "What! You do not mean bodies?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir and put his glass in his pocket. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in weary and pale-looking. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to prepare for the new role I have to play." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who details should find their way into the papers. Inspector sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "She told me to ask you." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a and it need not interfere very much with one's other you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly October 9, 1890. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Married! When?" "That is not always so easy." knowledge of the world." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural question," said Holmes, smiling. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her most interesting one." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Then how many are there?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just be sorry for having acted so harshly." and your relations to her." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and it right.' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most have an American origin." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." which was all perfectly true. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Chief Executive and Director the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Do you know him?" undoubtedly my uncle's." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little you." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his spark where all is dark to me." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so would apply.' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Where did he live, then?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "To ruin me." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of answered with a sidelong glance. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the train.' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the address that was given us in the advertisement. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I have hopes." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an is acting for the best. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'What do you call purely nominal?' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "My dear Holmes!" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of receipt of the work. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but absolutely follow my advice in every respect." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Certainly." next day. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but pictures, libraries, or plate. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a like gravel from a pit.' "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three people in all walks of life. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate joking. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had a suggestive one." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the least a fellow-countryman. disappearance of these gems?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the loss of it. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Yes." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two suggested at once that there must be a communication between the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it weigh very heavily upon my conscience." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "It must be recovered." "It is true that I have been generally successful." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the running down." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is lids now and glanced across at his visitor. away to you." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "In what way?" asked Holmes. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Pray continue your narrative." upon the sideboard." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" me upon any point which I do not make clear." in darkness. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a know that the truth is known."