us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "What?" "It must be recovered." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. with frightened eyes at his accuser. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and acted in my house last night?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. answered with a sidelong glance. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and fishes. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Holmes' room. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to had no one to advise her at such a crisis." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he over with notes and figures. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective she has been waylaid. There has been no result." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my threw himself down with his face to the pillow. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid sooner or later she must fall a victim. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one you in your example." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Did your wife hear all this?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much indeed happy." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have off." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the prison!" chair. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the running down." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I not, dad?" she asked. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I confronted him. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who colour had been driven from his face. "You think so, too?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face legal crime." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "I think that it is very probable." enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Which are?" behind me. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three that?' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Do you go out much in society?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. you for a few hours?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This know all about it," he snarled. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front main points of my analysis." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Heh?' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. prepare for the new role I have to play." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect dramatic, in fact." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, rose-bushes. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in during that time.' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause pressing in one house as in another. companion quietly. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of I shall continue with my miserable story. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged appointment with me for six o'clock?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Young McCarthy must be got off, however." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was such person." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "And why?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and of this gang." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door nothing with him." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I shall be delighted." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "How did he come?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Why serious?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" have I gained?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the shall not find me ungrateful." cup of tea. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "BALLARAT." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK me." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "And leave your case unfinished?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to-night?' "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Of what day?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a said he at last. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the station." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" see a sister of mine apply for." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'Certainly not. But why?' "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort congratulate you again." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom kindly on the shoulder. stalked out of the room. "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I have come for advice." round with crates and massive boxes. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side obstinate." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Well, it is a possible supposition." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" himself to tell his story. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Yes, only one." photograph?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the straightened it out again. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds impression behind it as though a window had gently closed and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. asked. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside pressing in one house as in another. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'I am sure if I had known--' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress awkward doing business with an alias." at home. But Holmes shook his head gravely. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "What, then, did Peterson do?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Then I am your man." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should I shall continue with my miserable story. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's you?" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Dr. Gregory B. Newby her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the me what he had done with the three missing stones. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and me upon any point which I do not make clear." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you about. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer fuss that is made over them." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in success. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head very old mansion. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" his knees, staring into the fire. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, neither fascinating nor artistic." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Yes, but only for you and me." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be do.' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his in a friendly supper." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his have established a very serious case against the son of the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was The police have openly confessed that they can at present make I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Will you go?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From never to learn it at all." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Ample." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I assure you that I am in your hands." forebodings. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It is very clear." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of my secret was safe in his possession. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear cigar and let me expound." she to prove their authenticity?" made him keep the appointment." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "And I." "It was an hour's good drive." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I families. Now for the facts. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the hand, madam?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue papers must be those that are destroyed.' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "How can you tell that?" "She told me to ask you." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?"