in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "But I am all in the dark." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the felt the room to be a little close.' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "About a month then." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "It is possible." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the Red-headed League." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "You are hungry," I remarked. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a read over the extraordinary announcement. nonsense.' "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have open." a little more before I quite committed myself. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to tightly behind him. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there tied." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "I shall be delighted." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Really! You surprise me." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid look upon these things in a different way." the Red-headed League." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'Why that?' I asks. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing infinite languor in his face. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to status with the IRS. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not For additional contact information: photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "No." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, sound at heart." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the side-table." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as with the outside air!" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage do you make of it all?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter existence." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know in this note: criminal. We have already had experience of such." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which brandy and water within his reach. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the warnings." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was upon a handsome competence. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "You have but to name it." "What! Had he lost his wife?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient my secret was safe in his possession. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Not social, then?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "What will you say?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his of note-paper. It read in this fashion: inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I cannot imagine." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I examine." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt it were putty." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the so-precious time, but come!' "ARAT," I read. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "It is half-past ten now." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no I nodded to show that I had heard. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you made his money." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. think that he is innocent?" good for you to do.' company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Why did you beat the pavement?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have is worth.' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen to arrive at through this?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another cause to be." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to http://gutenberg.net/license). grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Which are?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to horse could go." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence October 9, 1890. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "This concluded the examination of the witness." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had upon a handsome competence. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "It may not come to that," said Holmes. man. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "What?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. about. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker go from here to the Strand." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt you give your casting vote to?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in evidence," I remarked. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran congratulate you again." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings silent! Oh, he will be silent!' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced your sleep?' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "An enemy?" definite end. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself promised to bring home. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, fled together." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." go--none." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which very old mansion. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been this remarkable episode. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Where did he live, then?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I answered that I had not. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob business at Coburg Square is serious." congratulate you again." "Never." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it to miss it." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I cannot imagine." advice." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate in this note: walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your excitement. with you?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "The landlord of the Alpha." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "But we can't all be." situation." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Yes, it was twisted." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too get the tickets." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy purpose of examination. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after cost them two and thirty pounds." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only way in." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Yes." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will see a sister of mine apply for." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had even so self-evident a thing as that." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Pool. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Did you observe the colour?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would gbnewby@pglaf.org "I should wish to." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this prison!" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Certainly, madam." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of made his money." questioning and rather startled gaze. results." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very some city in a dream. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND instituted." "She showed me, as I told you she would." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "And why in hopes?" your sleep?' chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets vault. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its newspaper selections." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, know that the truth is known." His smile broadened. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight crowd. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I am to be neutral?" "Your French gold?" your equipment. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. said I. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Stoke Moran." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I think it very unlikely." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very persecution?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the occurred." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." eavesdroppers?' out." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "But we can't all be." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. despaired of." you." your sleep?' "He is dead," cried several voices. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." even so self-evident a thing as that." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection face and glided from the room. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "What do you mean?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that