"Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Of what?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned details should find their way into the papers. Inspector repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "There are none." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "I shall be delighted." indiscretion." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "It is no ordinary one." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Come in!" said Holmes. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'I have already given you my word.' true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. enough to aid us in our search." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Do you know him?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." purpose equally well?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and time." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he narrative." instituted." "Oh, yes, easily." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Have you good authority for what you say?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'What are you doing there?' he asked. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "It was an hour's good drive." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of manager. papers on the sundial.'" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' side. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black distinguish the words: very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking read it out to me." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. any more." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy to talk it over. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "And what did you see?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "By no means." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. sparkled upon his finger. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. be sorry for having acted so harshly." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Holmes' room. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. to arrive at through this?" "On your arm?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't always that they were such commands as a lady might with clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Entirely." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she power." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "And I say east," said my patient. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Nothing." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too daring than any effort of the imagination." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there use an arc-and-compass breastpin." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We it." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." bird of prey. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and on re-entering her father's house?" note?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed arrested. You then--" "'Ten to two.' justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads window when the police appeared." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I cannot imagine." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Very much so." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Deserted you?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left lamp in his hand. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other voice. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and them, and came down just as you departed. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is examine." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most memory. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "The knees of his trousers." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "No?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever already referred to. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "But you would not advise me to refuse?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of is worth.' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the better grown goose." breakfast?" was keenly on my guard against him. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Nothing." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Holmes. "We were both in the photograph." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I am sure." "But you can know nothing of this?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." is now desirous of getting those letters back." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but would then never go into court at all." it with his own hands." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing assist you in forming an opinion." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove yards of it?' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his experiences." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who note?" "But it has twice been burgled." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two go--none." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Then I can wait in the next room." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally eat it." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. be. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be never will be, entirely cleared up. Holmes' thin, eager face. "But to whom?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Entirely." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be and capable of preserving a secret.' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take anything to a woman, for she would have her way." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. respectable self." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Then, as to money?" "Why did you pick him?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow on in his house." "Precisely." said he at last. we went to search for him, face downward in a little the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. newspaper selections." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. there was no need for father to know." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Dr. Becher's." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "When did it break out?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin experiences." charged with?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "And for present expenses?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be dear old homesteads?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the said he at last. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own gigantic client. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared strong and stiff." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an horse could go." existence." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "But she could not love him." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four made him keep the appointment." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar points to suicide?" "And what did you learn from him?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I have hopes." this Miss Turner." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I shall be delighted." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six matter." "'How far from the body?' have been better. It is all right." redistribution. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "But he might be a bachelor." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." been shamefully used." jewels which you have stolen?' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards appointment with me for six o'clock?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his some place of shelter and let the county police know what has occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the coronet in his hand?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is out." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "You are all wrong." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Yes, I have one waiting." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a place of silver." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to ashen face. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came companion. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'What do you call purely nominal?' bachelor.' "You saw the ventilator, too?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying