accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Texas, I think." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come all-comprehensive glances. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "It surprised me." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I his fortune, and I went back to pa. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "And you don't know his address?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking London for the present?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "None." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and It was close upon four before the door opened, and a writers could invent nothing more crude." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "I was afraid that you were engaged." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND individual and becomes the badge of a society." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It appeal." "And Miss Sutherland?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer For additional contact information: The events in question occurred in the early days of my "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I know where it is." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were opened the door, and slipped through. to you." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be this as likely?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against absorbing." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I society." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was to-night?' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the Red-headed League." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Young McCarthy must be got off, however." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, gbnewby@pglaf.org am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my not personally threatened." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "My photograph." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the without a word or a look. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "What I expected to see." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of lips." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "No, but the enclosure is." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, is now desirous of getting those letters back." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "How did he come?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Do you go out much in society?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a bedroom door." depend upon my doing so.' my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four lectures into a series of tales." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "And now?" I asked. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried spare." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his served to weaken the effect. "From his hat?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Nor running a chance of arrest?" there is a decided draught." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Then I do not see the point." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. be sorry for having acted so harshly." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might people don't know." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what said he. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the running down." "May I see it?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' it." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. have got?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "The Cedars?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Holmes' face clouded over. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Can I be of assistance?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position with her." than to us. undoubtedly my uncle's." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were desk. standing smiling on the door-step. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers derbies." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore meant it for the best. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "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 There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "One of his hands." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the general public were present, then?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'You cannot say what it was?' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. companion. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George simple cases which are so extremely difficult." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch newspaper selections." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled his cane at the bell-pull. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. wife's character?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked visitors." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his question you as to those details which seem to me to be most crime. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she in this way: "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Nothing." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the meant." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." weighed down with some great anxiety. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Where is it, then?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you http://www.gutenberg.net window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "What have you done?" asked Holmes. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting already referred to. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in ways of our fellow-men." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant purpose equally well?" "But how did you gain them?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord putting in the horse. again on its way. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke is worth.' "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of it with the greatest attention. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on retorted upon me, and I on you." "And sit in the dark?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, father's place of business?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and records." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to throat." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I have my revolver," said I. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, golden eyeglasses. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is other means.' "The murder was done with it." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager advice." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have call you and give you the chance." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Yes, it was twisted." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "His face fell immediately. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I them?" "'I have heard so.' platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. morning." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Was your sister dressed?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be affair. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. salesman. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. feature." your most interesting statement." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be suspect him." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far pity, because in other respects you would really have done very she to prove their authenticity?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "What then?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a whatever might befall. "Was there a secret marriage?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the iron safe, which he closed upon it. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works public press." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "It may not come to that," said Holmes. to have been novel and of interest." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Not yet." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. presented more singular features than that which was associated danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Not in the least." of." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three questionable one." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Seven!" I answered. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your I shall continue with my miserable story. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "She showed me, as I told you she would." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I six. Come in!" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big must be when I saw the door open.' as noiselessly as she had come. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "But it has twice been burgled." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "My own seal." must be when I saw the door open.' "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Then, how do you know?" any little problem which you may submit to me." "Then what has happened to him?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "And who is her maid?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were again, where I was soon asleep. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Then you may entirely rely on me." situation." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking which our visitor detailed to us. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "They are typewritten," I remarked. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to writers could invent nothing more crude." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance fatally injured? understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Dr. Becher's." chambers. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will present." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her