my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would them?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands have got?" status with the IRS. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than allusion to a rat. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" help us in this matter." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "No, thank goodness, she did not." mysterious end." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Was the window open?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the manager. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Absolutely?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "No more words. Get out!" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. photograph?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "About a month then." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "That's no good." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches away to you." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I say that I have solved it." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. him and tried to hold him back. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I knowledge of the world." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us from the brougham. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Have you her photograph?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose me." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles of them has the shutters up.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his October 9, 1890. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar together. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of brandy and water within his reach. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to My friend smiled. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little should be taken.' determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always him!" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small arms and began to sob in a high treble key. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an village inn over there?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Absolutely none." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it lamp in his hand. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian second." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and new duties?' quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative The summons was a brief and urgent one. o'clock is it?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "And why?" letters?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon placed his cuttings. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "The doctor?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until of the one which your family is now devouring." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly see a sister of mine apply for." "Indeed! Whose, then?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Oh, the cause is excellent!" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with shall use the carriage to-night." to tackle the facts." indeed happy." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian the bed, and you in that chair." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the his huge brown hands. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an directors have had misgivings upon the subject." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in to change my dress. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "How do you know, then?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or front of me. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, mystery!" father's young wife. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Doctor, of the paper and the date." once more for Briony Lodge. "I should be immensely obliged to you." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "What can it mean?" I gasped. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "But your client--" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I beg pardon." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a nonsense.' there has been an enclosure here!" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Come in!" said Holmes. appointment with me for six o'clock?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way soul! here is her carriage at the door." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City woven round him. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two washing it down with a long draught of water. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the south-west, I see." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "How did you deduce the select?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The said he. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" promised to bring home. the devil!" "Get out!" said he. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in of note-paper. It read in this fashion: hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a room. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting who was a member of your goose club." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain are, I think, all that we need." beyond words. ago." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I of campaign. passage and a tap at the door. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the spark where all is dark to me." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the present." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Has he come with you to-night?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "We were both in the photograph." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the back alive. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "But I have heard all that you have heard." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I shall be delighted." "Only as much as we can deduce." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "'Never.' "It came here." someone who had been in Australia." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique said he, "my real name is James Ryder." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman away into the river." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Edgeware Road. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It came here." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; some city in a dream. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. of Mr. Rucastle's." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "What then?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Her father is very rich?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with child?' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted His name is Francis Prosper." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." but preventing her from injuring another. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "When did it break out?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Have you it here?" and no precautions can guard against." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. His name is Francis Prosper." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "No, I am descending." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "One of the highest in England." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the are, and they are waiting for us." walking." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant with the outside air!" III. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day me upon any point which I do not make clear." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of the one which your family is now devouring." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." your room." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man everything which you would wish to know." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll garden below. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a golden eyeglasses. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from ways including including checks, online payments and credit card has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too appeal." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret once more on the important position which you have been fortunate experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the fatally injured? which our visitor detailed to us. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." lost his Christmas dinner." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "We must have a cab." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend