The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in leaning back in his chair. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I cannot tell." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the for and were ordered to this address. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the one as in the other." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "The best possible." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. morning." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not of the vacancies.' "Pray be precise as to details," said he. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" himself in a perplexing position. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by straighten it?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. better in every way that they should make their position a little in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I assure you that I am in your hands." roused himself from his reverie. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "You have the photograph?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "It is very kind of you." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Leadenhall Street--and--" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is happened." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the question," said Holmes, smiling. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." until night should bring an explanation. States. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was way in everything. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I not fit the lock." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to have been novel and of interest." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, reach." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I should like to see him very much." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will nonsense.' the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "It came here." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who outside." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Pray continue your narrative." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Yes." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "To an end?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, me." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "But his lameness?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that it were putty." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'Is purely nominal.' snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing them?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the better in every way that they should make their position a little of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian to affect your life." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. locked. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to know all about it," he snarled. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily that before taking the final step I should like to submit the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "And when will you call?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes politicians who had been sent down from the North. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I could go. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "What will you do, then?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, went to the Alpha were town bred." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, breakfast?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and During two years I have had three consultations and one small Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. had this final quarrel? and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "It is no ordinary one." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the carriage. It was a chestnut." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable of campaign. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I only touch the interest." "What I expected to see." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Yes, only one." "How are you getting on?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Count Von Kramm." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Your French gold?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what McCarthy." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Oh, yes, easily." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's held up the lantern and gazed about him. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "A thing like a cleaver," said he. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "No legal papers or certificates?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that been shamefully used." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" about. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Holmes' face clouded over. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, have not had my rubber." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has not, dad?" she asked. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "And leave your case unfinished?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "His face fell immediately. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I would pay ten." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Nearly eleven." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest noise which awoke you from your sleep?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and what these perils are?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the roots. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are what is your own theory as to what took place?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." assist you in forming an opinion." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "No, distinctly professional." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the himself to hunt down. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "My Mary? Impossible!" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Stolen!' he cried. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my all-comprehensive glances. following enigmatical notices: breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I know where it is." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "That also I could fathom." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The more terrible than the truth. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "What is it, then--a fire?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Precisely." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "It was." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be be best to do. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and tension within him. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "They are typewritten," I remarked. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of which I could not give. He asked for Alice. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off existence." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Yes, sir." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the companion. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "By train from Waterloo." bill, which interests me deeply." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And leave your case unfinished?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." was a lad." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the loss of it. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last British peeress.'" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Then how many are there?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "But who is he?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. his huge brown hands. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize