Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, my former friend and companion. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it room. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Oh, yes, easily." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Holmes." gigantic client. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who your co-operation." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Where to?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "None." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'You cannot say what it was?' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and capable of preserving a secret.' of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "And Irene Adler?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an questionable one." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be to some other building. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which unprofitable." feature." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, asked. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the affection." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "I will try. What is it?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at to affect your life." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." and have this put in the evening papers." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "An accident, I presume?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "No." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round your troubles." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it not come at once?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an became a certainty. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Perhaps I have." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" assist you in forming an opinion." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to late!' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had 'please.'" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Quite so." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this questionable one." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. soul! here is her carriage at the door." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the morning and make my own way in the world.' us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not where she found matters as described by the last witness. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "When did she vanish, then?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I see many objections to any such theory." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Yes, from Horsham." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the when you have done it." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan believe that I should never have any practice at all. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. ready to-morrow?' "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. or in danger--" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. guilty parties." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those populous neighbourhood." "Breckinridge is his name." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some never came back." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "No, finished." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for congenial hunt. "I fear not." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, strength in the others." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those society." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "But what is it you wish?" enough to aid us in our search." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'Stolen!' he cried. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." secret." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Miss Holder?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a foot. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a said Mr. Holder. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." II. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah his knees, staring into the fire. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to This is what he says: over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "If I can be of use." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to jewels which you have stolen?' brain must have something in it." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will again on its way. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in at a side door. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I am about to be married." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the warnings." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or a few minutes he said that it would be all right. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the relief. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little him to be an active member of the medical profession." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "He slept on the premises." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Chief Executive and Director "She told me to ask you." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something your co-operation." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting wife's character?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Yes, that is the Crown." see me here to avoid scandal." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Proceed, then." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "And your mother is alive?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my this remarkable episode. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage or other trace. But how on earth--" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Where, then, is my wife?" the little opening for the ventilator is." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the such person." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I strong and stiff." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "I will, Miss Turner." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. to have been novel and of interest." introspective fashion. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I never have." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of my little problems." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and to miss it." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "In what way?" asked Holmes. fluttered off among the others. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the night.' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, helping a boy to put up the shutters. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Who by?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my purpose of examination. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and the church but not where the lady lived." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" her also." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child be best to do. "'Where could I find him?' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled orange pips. "And why?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Holmes." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the yards of it?' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'There is a drive, then?' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, miles off. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems dead, shall be safe with us." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, appointment with me for six o'clock?" the Red-headed League." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and instituted." "Why did you beat the pavement?" paper in the air. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the driver. waste of energy." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Proceed, then." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without memory. "Entirely." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange business." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best man. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and lamp in his hand. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Mary, has deserted me." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the problems help me to do so." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, three of the beryls in it, was missing. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. his knees, staring into the fire. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A so far?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase rat could hardly pass through." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my if she died from some sudden fright." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in held up the lantern and gazed about him. Mrs. Toller serenely. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Sholtos." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I came to find a friend." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that threaten you." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Yes." "It is his hat." out." is," said he presently: "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the general public were present, then?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the loss of it. business matters.' woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "What! Had he lost his wife?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said