the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "And leave your case unfinished?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when were unconscious?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four in this way: of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition ways of our fellow-men." himself to hunt down. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "No." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Yes." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and generous with you in money matters.' characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Where to?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the running down." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable nonsense.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "VIOLET HUNTER." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from indiscretion." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon dead, shall be safe with us." be.' of a light. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the congenial hunt. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. were unconscious?" straighten it?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's during that time.' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the matter?" that threaten you." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "But I am all in the dark." lectures into a series of tales." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." gone. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from where we are going." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs in this note: the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled did not hear it also.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "And Irene Adler?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "My dear Holmes!" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "By no means." always that they were such commands as a lady might with presented which may be striking and bizarre without being You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to surprise her." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Stolen." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big tear off another piece?' means taking possession of that which another person has a prior into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those so far?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "'Which dealer's?' "Certainly, madam." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do was lame." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house tell them apart.' too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, signal between you and your father? "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier quite distinctive." went to the Alpha were town bred." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Precisely." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this been anything against him. He had for years been known as a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the warnings." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw II. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for formed some opinion?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. me what he had done with the three missing stones. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer indeed happy." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had beg that you will break it off." all?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple been anything against him. He had for years been known as a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Was the window open?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That 1.E.9. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it particular state visit http://pglaf.org air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "You will not go there first?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Did you become engaged then?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the warnings." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." advice." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be meanly of me." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Now, then, what's the last entry?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his a good hundred miles off by now." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Again Holmes raved in the air. "Could he throw no light?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he tell him that I know him to be innocent." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Why, what do you mean?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" that you wished to speak to me?' and capable of preserving a secret.' my former friend and companion. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the little opening for the ventilator is." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "But what will you do?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said happened." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "But you have hopes?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in I held the little printed slip to the light. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" What do you deduce from it?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I there when the Rucastles went away." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." whole matter to your consideration." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'You doubt its value?' he asked. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully you." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. this remarkable episode. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I possible that we could bring him back to her? met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I cannot think." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "How can you tell that?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "And for present expenses?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical at a side door. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "In the cells." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes there is a decided draught." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "'Where to?' "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "The landlord of the Alpha." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely know what is wrong with it.' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of your young ladies.' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "And I say east," said my patient. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Of what?" head. So long, then!" occurred." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. his knees, staring into the fire. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower address. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can arms and began to sob in a high treble key. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange front of the hall door has given its name to the place. assist you in forming an opinion." "'Which dealer's?' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little developed." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I assure you that I am in your hands." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily comes from the middle window." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a my special province." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" all?" "By train from Waterloo." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Tired-looking or fresh?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of once more to my work. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer photograph a cabinet?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less brandy and water within his reach. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "An enemy?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "A client, then?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with one or two very singular points about this room. For example, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had of campaign. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided and effective." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who works. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an undoubtedly my uncle's." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a passage and a tap at the door. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "He might." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'What are you doing there?' he asked. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "But what harm can there be in that?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric success. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Young McCarthy must be got off, however." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "What are they?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "I am still in the dark." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine absolutely follow my advice in every respect." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, approach us with offers to donate. back into the street. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the dangers which encompass me." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing what is your own theory as to what took place?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and followed. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they chemical work which was so dear to him. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Does that suggest anything?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter someone who had been in Australia." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "The rest you will leave in our hands." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "What?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "BALLARAT." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "What of the rat, then?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her this Miss Turner." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing promised to bring home. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own bearing upon the case." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Proceed, then." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, memory. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in bird I ate is country bred." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "We must have a cab." "Has he come with you to-night?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now back into the street. may have an influence upon European history." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there in the hope of finding them." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." But Holmes shook his head gravely. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. seven miles from Eyford Station.' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, certainly not very gracious." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked,