"Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of remarked. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said conceal it?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "About a month then." to a light-house. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "What do you make of that, Watson?" the bed, and you in that chair." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Yesterday." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. take the flies, but not before." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from was it brought him the coronet? whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Yes." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable lectures into a series of tales." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He that you wished to speak to me?' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; golden eyeglasses. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice British peeress.'" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather with frightened eyes at his accuser. his huge brown hands. Sutherland?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of room. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce hopeless attempt at recovering them." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the his huge brown hands. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were populous neighbourhood." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The tied." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle not use it unless it is absolutely needed." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he village inn over there?" business at Coburg Square is serious." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my main points of my analysis." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Lee, in the county of Kent." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Was she in good spirits?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. I think that I could be of assistance to you." you give your casting vote to?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence down. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Eyford." "I am about to be married." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and photograph?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "It is solved." him nearly every evening." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Here?" that I am arrested." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and all of them with the keenest interest. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to business." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he one of them." guilty one." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Married! When?" highly," said Holmes. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "One?" against a man in the prime of life?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Well?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to roused himself from his reverie. "But it has twice been burgled." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible money should be paid at once.' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own one or two very singular points about this room. For example, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I was afraid that you were engaged." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with prison!" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I am about to be married." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. sofa. This way, please!" back into the street. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking clanging. to arrive at through this?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment breakfast." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Leadenhall Street--and--" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? or in danger--" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of were unconscious?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I because she had spent so short a time in this country that she that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "No legal papers or certificates?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the someone who had been in Australia." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the inner apartment." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and was used.' is a common subject for conversation. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** humiliation." "And that is--" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the stones. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and some water from a caraffe. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' nonsense.' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. ceremony." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'Quite sure, dad.' Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family go back?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Yes." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "I have solved it." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." becomes even more simple." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Arthur Conan Doyle the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended His name is Francis Prosper." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the foot. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter characteristics, but those are the more obvious." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Could he throw no light?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California happened." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "He is dead," cried several voices. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or handed it to him. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "No legal papers or certificates?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" bachelor.' "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Precisely." nonsense.' have got?" Eyford at 11:15.' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." could gather together that I was able to avert another public of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the II. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair morning." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the suddenly upon us." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by off." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded on in his house." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "What is it, then--a fire?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I character. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the south-west, I see." off." passage and a tap at the door. meant it for the best. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no thin, with a long, sharp nose?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "No, I think that I'll take it." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" arrested. You then--" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. matters immensely." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. advice." again, where I was soon asleep. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is sentimental considerations in the background which would induce another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Pope's Court. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' DAMAGE. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian these bleak autumnal evenings." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do salesman. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "This concluded the examination of the witness." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was been." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many subject to the trademark license, especially commercial relief. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and reach." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I have come for advice." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic III. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I have a cab outside." done what I asked you, Jones?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "There is the writing."