enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been night.' said he. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Yes." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "The gentleman I describe." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it plantation.' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I say that I have solved it." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Yesterday." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his very old mansion. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and breakfast." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the coronet in his hand?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the of your young ladies.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of there is a decided draught." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "This concluded the examination of the witness." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his call you and give you the chance." weary and pale-looking. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "But how?" allusion to a rat. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Where, then?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital trying to your nerves." Street. remarked. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "It is true that I have been generally successful." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for any little problem which you may submit to me." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Not particularly." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the roots. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his too. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a clanging. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Where does the thing come from?' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem my former friend and companion. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint brandy and water within his reach. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been to-night." that he has suffered." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I do." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable to have been novel and of interest." of campaign. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray society." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to legal crime." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. have got?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope hurried away. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their tapping his fingers upon the table. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers know all about it," he snarled. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. papers diligently of late, have you not?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at an introduction to him?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. desk. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "He said too much." individual and becomes the badge of a society." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord might have a private word with us. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which You can understand that this register and diary may implicate he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless south, for the country is more deserted there." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door annoyance, but no jest. name is different." may have an influence upon European history." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "And I." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with chance." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so carriage. It was a chestnut." fact, we may call it conclusive." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Witness: I must still refuse. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from she used." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "My dear Holmes!" "Do you know him?" "No?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring furiously. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all The events in question occurred in the early days of my estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make been lifted and conveyed somewhere." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, a room. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we touch that coronet?' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the house with me." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Edgeware Road. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of said he at last. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Not I." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands you understand?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain instituted." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew later, upon the night of May 2nd." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, new acquaintance to Baker Street. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "I know where it is." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. behind me. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "And how did you find out?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our out." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an even so self-evident a thing as that." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between himself to tell his story. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." second." "Well, it is a possible supposition." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Ah!" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I see many objections to any such theory." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little to some other building. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the Red-headed League." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in morning." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the comes from the middle window." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are during which he might have communicated with his friend the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to shall use the carriage to-night." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "None." Sholtos." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together round with crates and massive boxes. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you you." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Have you it here?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime in darkness. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building go--none." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a ago." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in entirely devoid of interest." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Tell me all about it,' said I. affection." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Then, how do you know?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn with her." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded spark where all is dark to me." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up ill-usage at the hands of fortune. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the politicians who had been sent down from the North. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I crackling voice. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a voice, changing her seat as requested. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable father's young wife. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all too. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Certainly." could gather together that I was able to avert another public the house with me." lectures into a series of tales." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "But your client--" the devil!" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Look there!" said he. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Certainly." looking up at the numbers of the houses." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some fattened it expressly for you.' I shall communicate with you." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak there in twenty minutes." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" case before our client came into the room." "It is a murder, then?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key roused himself from his reverie. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted nonsense.' rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Project Gutenberg-tm works. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "'Certainly not. But why?' the stable lane now." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, purpose of examination. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of where she found matters as described by the last witness. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the armchair which I pushed forward for him. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or open." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used conceal it?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "We must sit without light. He would see it through the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went you understand?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the might have a private word with us.