leaning back in his chair. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said may have an influence upon European history." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. be best to do. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm invisible to me," I remarked. "'I have heard so.' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great late!' as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than details." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Did you become engaged then?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "How did you deduce the select?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly absolutely follow my advice in every respect." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. main points of my analysis." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You suspect him." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Then you may be so with me." "Yes, certainly." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I will not look." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Stoke Moran." wife's character?" closing the door. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction quick march!" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and careless servant girl?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. shall not find me ungrateful." here." of your young ladies.' "I will do it." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Absolutely none." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King 11:15.' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "VIOLET HUNTER." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "But I am all in the dark." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Holmes' face clouded over. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I beyond words. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of jewels which you have stolen?' course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the status with the IRS. chance at all." "And how in the world did you find them?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but investigation." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. you?' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very in the hope of finding them." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to that I may have something better before very many minutes are suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. populous neighbourhood." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email ran thus: shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "No, I had a dozen." "Entirely." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I have come for advice." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard detective. are windows in it, of course?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and possible that we could bring him back to her? so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "What!" he roared. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "He said too much." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "There are none." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a cigars in their mouths. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'Stolen!' he cried. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I came to find a friend." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is introspective fashion. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "And the murderer?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had how narrow had been my escape. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of fluttered off among the others. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Married! When?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Upon what point?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything British peeress.'" "He is still with you, I presume?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. lumber-room." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the been with you?" eat it." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Will you go?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." hurried away. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the Friday. Was it to be in church?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "What then?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. stalked out of the room. over part of the map. "What do you read?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence colonel looking down at me. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Then, how do you know?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Perhaps I have." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." thin legs towards the fire. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which cost them two and thirty pounds." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and from you?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to despair." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Where, indeed?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from this remarkable episode. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "My opinion is in no way altered." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "What is it, then--a fire?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "What will you do, then?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah to miss it." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin look dissatisfied." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie the so-precious time, but come!' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "My private note-paper." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." danger is over." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones The note was undated, and without either signature or address. in him." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer My friend smiled. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a it." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Won't it ring?" becomes even more simple." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman upon a handsome competence. I think that I could be of assistance to you." call it cruel." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "And from a noble client?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, introspective fashion. plantation.' to his chemical studies. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had fashion which was peculiar to him. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Imitated." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other existence." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." drove away. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. that I may have something better before very many minutes are surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "How did he come?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Very. But will he see it?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make written, and locked the door of the office after me. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was to-night." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and possible that we could bring him back to her? or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, one's self under obligations.' followed. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a had this final quarrel? where she found matters as described by the last witness. any more." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King done what I asked you, Jones?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you For additional contact information: though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the bottom.' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "But you can know nothing of this?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Will you bet, then?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "None. Neville wrote those words." if she died from some sudden fright." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, out." you for a few hours?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. to that open window." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and My friend smiled. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can nonsense.' "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Dirty?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Leadenhall Street--and--" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Yes, it was twisted." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well lamp in his hand. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but of the way of danger. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "How can you tell that?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet."