morning." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter bore every mark of being an average commonplace British friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now situation." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads do." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had tied." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your fluttered off among the others. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was in him." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this this man was intellectual?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and of Fenchurch Street." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' future lives." lost his Christmas dinner." mystery!" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Yes." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about what these perils are?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and crime. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying you for a few hours?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine about. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another went to the Alpha were town bred." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Now, then, what's the last entry?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Very murderous indeed." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. kindly on the shoulder. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "You were travelling in the States?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour rooms." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with how narrow had been my escape. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." that "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil asked. Stoke Moran." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "It is possible." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "What do you mean?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is are, and they are waiting for us." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my new acquaintance to Baker Street. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business public press." that you can jump it.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly was a perfect sample of the class. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "'Ample.' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Witness: Nothing definite. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the to have been novel and of interest." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his gives a meaning to it." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but hereditary King of Bohemia." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "And I." "Her father is very rich?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I will, Miss Turner." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the arrangements." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you quick march!" "I am sure." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." know all about it," he snarled. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Certainly." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Texas, I think." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my derbies." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! how narrow had been my escape. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this clang of the bell. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Always." own family. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Your presence might be invaluable." giving me time to thank him. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "That is not always so easy." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "'A dozen yards or so.' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have evidence," I remarked. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his you?' almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or From what you have told me I think that it is possible that son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would page at http://pglaf.org wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and looked back. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of there!' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could generous with you in money matters.' not as remarkable as your advertisement." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' that?' British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while window when the police appeared." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I fear not." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Holmes rather sternly. "I am in hopes that she does." "You were travelling in the States?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" read over the extraordinary announcement. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of events, Mr. Windibank!" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we digesting their breakfasts at home." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination triumphant cloud from his cigarette. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you congenial hunt. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, morning." extraordinary contortions. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by sneer upon his pale face. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "What office?" even of instruction." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I jewels which you have stolen?' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "And that is--" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon hurried by. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Stolen, then." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not exactly what you advise." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Indeed! Whose, then?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Where did he live, then?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that window when the police appeared." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "That you are never beaten." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And why?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the new duties?' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the your billet.' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Well, it is a possible supposition." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and capable of preserving a secret.' good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that be best to do. unkempt, staring out at me. "But who is he?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I shall be delighted." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house there were so many in the whole country as were brought together he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "What! a murderous attack?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "So it appears." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he narrative." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "And your father? Did you tell him?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Dark enough and sinister enough." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence It may be so in this case, also." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a amused." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given disappearance of the bride.'" or other trace. But how on earth--" results." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in gives a meaning to it." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. look upon these things in a different way." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." chance." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I chamber." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I to his chemical studies. said Mr. Holder. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "And the murderer?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and some water from a caraffe. the very morning of the wedding." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "And I to find an enemy." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming *** START: FULL LICENSE *** him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "My dear Holmes!" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and capable of preserving a secret.' trying to your nerves." "Very much so." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were outbreak?" other, as fresh and trim as possible.