slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! key of the affair now." whereabouts. "Was she in good spirits?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "She showed me, as I told you she would." "I see many objections to any such theory." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Will you bet, then?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something must be when I saw the door open.' the devil!" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an in this way: admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, his cane at the bell-pull. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of pound a week." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good For additional contact information: meant it for the best. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the started for the Temple to see my husband. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'Never,' said I. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope against a man in the prime of life?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I in the dead of the night?' laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an me where it went to?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "At the wedding breakfast." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks too. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I promise," said Holmes. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, said I. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I have a cab outside." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a stood on the top of it. "Yes, at the mines." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the bottom.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should point in the dark hollow of his hand. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without only touch the interest." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "He might." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "You horrify me." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and that he would see to anything that turned up. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "And that is--" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for maid will bring up your coffee." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I together. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do respectable self." legal crime." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "It is very clear." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." entirely devoid of interest." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Not yet." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." careless servant girl?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I say that I have solved it." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "It must be recovered." the warnings." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Holmes. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Where, then, is my wife?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of cause to be." residence of the great financier. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait call you and give you the chance." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and no precautions can guard against." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "How many? I don't know." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You companion imperturbably. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "That sounds a little paradoxical." "To the police?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found it." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he wall." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the always that they were such commands as a lady might with size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. October 9, 1890. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Why did you pick him?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the night.' "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he had a long day." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best to a light-house. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "To an English lawyer named Norton." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." coat-tails." "Absolutely none." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to placed his cuttings. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said awkward doing business with an alias." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, recover the gem." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the bed, and you in that chair." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Nothing." events, Mr. Windibank!" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "And what did you see?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "So I have heard." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the bare slabs of marble. I think that I could be of assistance to you." "And how did you find out?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Is purely nominal.' the coronet at all injured?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may friend's singular character. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "And your mother is alive?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder take the flies, but not before." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "What?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I guessed as much." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of It may be so in this case, also." "What?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before was a loud and authoritative tap. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom what is your own theory as to what took place?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Yes." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, his face which made him a very different person to the round, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. which are rolled in Rotterdam." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass fact, we may call it conclusive." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be back alive. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked writing, and yet I know it well." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "A greater distance to travel." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Eh? What was that?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "It certainly sounds feasible." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are points to suicide?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at key of the affair now." call it cruel." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, father's young wife. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'As governess?' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events light and attacked it." Does that suggest anything?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended which our visitor detailed to us. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "That's no good." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them make me his representative both with the servants and with the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in closing the door. This is what he says: the window, rose as we entered. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." that I am arrested." "But to whom?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' absorbing." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the running down." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. row." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at present." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. people in all walks of life. "No." in his hands." few hundred pounds.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late papers must be those that are destroyed.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I gone before you can get him to hospital." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Well, some hundreds of times." taking in every detail of the apartment. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly we went to search for him, face downward in a little balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've throat." secret." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I am about to be married." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "He is dead," cried several voices. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and too. death." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you society." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a comes from the middle window." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Certainly." "What then?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most he died? possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand noise which awoke you from your sleep?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Where, then, is my wife?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to discontent upon his features. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" tear off another piece?' said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Ten will be early enough." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler one or two very singular points about this room. For example, them, and came down just as you departed. late!' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the cause to be." forbidden door. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, 1.E.9. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the King without delay." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal seen the man in the road." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Was she in good spirits?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' sparkled upon his finger. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Yes." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that them, and came down just as you departed. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Why? What do you mean?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate