"After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. business." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the address that was given us in the advertisement. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, rat could hardly pass through." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Thank you. Pray proceed." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The details." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It present strange and interesting features that it is no easy which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, rooms." "It is a murder, then?" obstinate." Pool. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father said he at last. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I be. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'What are you doing there?' he asked. 1.E.9. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the straighten it?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch photograph?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think better grown goose." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and some water from a caraffe. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" II. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some said Mr. Holder. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Yes." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" rose-bushes. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "I am in hopes that she does." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Yes." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "And that is--" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand third from London." villagers almost as much as their master. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and quite distinctive." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." back alive. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great handed it to him. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who whole matter to your consideration." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a a monotonous occupation." this unhappy family?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' head. So long, then!" to-night?" I asked. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction was a loud and authoritative tap. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'Oh, no.' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "What will you do, then?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Precisely so. But how--" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "But she could not love him." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But what harm can there be in that?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it digesting their breakfasts at home." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few be there in time for your coming." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. vault. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Yes, I have one waiting." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was really the only notable feature about the thing." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the loss of it. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and woman." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and during which he might have communicated with his friend the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought be sorry for having acted so harshly." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a information in his hands the value of which he did not himself great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the head. So long, then!" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and unprofitable." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said mysterious end." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "I have solved it." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the sneer upon his pale face. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "His face fell immediately. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast simple cases which are so extremely difficult." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "But how?" Eyford." "What can you not understand?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or wall." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "He said too much." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client fishes. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to late!' "'There is a drive, then?' present." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door with you?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Game for a morning drive?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a correct than the official force." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who next day. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "What shall I do?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Proceed, then." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended out of this horrible affair." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" behind me. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to His smile broadened. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Dr. Becher's." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "It was an hour's good drive." extraordinary contortions. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can to have that photograph." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it hurried away. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley lips." fled together." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "He is dead," cried several voices. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be be there in time for your coming." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And you don't know his address?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning License. You must require such a user to return or "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "She will not sell." "Yes, all." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position introspective fashion. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so hand, madam?" you want, then?' public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door thin legs towards the fire. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Never." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "What! a murderous attack?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Nothing." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Oh, yes, easily." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." extraordinary contortions. purpose equally well?" "Look there!" said he. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of Mr. Rucastle's." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Imitated." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," he died? go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. there has been an enclosure here!" "What office?" derbies." "What!" he roared. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "That was it, sir." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Yesterday." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "What I expected to see." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. The King stared at him in amazement. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Bought." "I am in hopes that she does." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his is entirely a question of barometric pressure." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "But what is it you wish?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. crime." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and voice. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite questioning and rather startled gaze. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. that I can to serve you." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "And why in hopes?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "He is dead," cried several voices. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger outside." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I should wish to." "Entirely." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to The events in question occurred in the early days of my about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "That was it, sir." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'What, the red-headed man?' should be taken.' help us in this matter." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, corner of the building. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the coronet in his hands?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "One of his hands." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground.