elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Come in!" said Holmes. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been me. You must get home instantly and act." wife's character?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "It may not come to that," said Holmes. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Yes." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the best of training." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem way: retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the you do it in twenty minutes!' answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "How did he come?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "On the contrary, this is the right side." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell My friend smiled. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "At the wedding breakfast." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it conduct the inquiry." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and occupations.' refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Seven!" I answered. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys system of imprisonment?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "And who is her maid?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Did you observe the colour?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. of them has the shutters up.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Yes." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to of a light. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "You know me, then?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure served to weaken the effect. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque his face. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the question. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'Oh, no.' make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'In my own bureau.' that you wished to speak to me?' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "You are all wrong." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in mystery!" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom have an American origin." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to a light-house. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the weary and pale-looking. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the It may be so in this case, also." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "And Miss Sutherland?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'Then let me do so?' expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' wedding?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "I say that I have solved it." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Indeed! Whose, then?" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "A confidential servant?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair morning." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" have accepted such a situation. "Do you know him?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'Certainly not.' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could train.' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the driver. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Only as much as we can deduce." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "And your mother is alive?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "None." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, writers could invent nothing more crude." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have started for the Temple to see my husband. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the following enigmatical notices: crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I that I can to serve you." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Is purely nominal.' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "And how did you verify them?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the fuss that is made over them." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered happened." locked." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'There is a drive, then?' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I cannot imagine." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "And I say east," said my patient. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do down. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the States. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "But I have heard all that you have heard." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Proceed, then." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your asked. heavy and sharp instrument." "Then I can wait in the next room." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An knowledge of the world." been with you?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "But to whom?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'Tell me all about it,' said I. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a seven miles from Eyford Station.' Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "VIOLET HUNTER." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I invisible to me," I remarked. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "From his hat?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the is four-and-twenty." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But delirious. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly door?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the you?' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "What?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the his fortune, and I went back to pa. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some is," said he presently: other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is cup of tea. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone You want to know what became of those geese?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they to some other building. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "From his hat?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "How on earth--" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "No. His orders were to stay in the house." that?' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and definite end. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'I shall certainly be there.' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Certainly." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took you." asked. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me see me here to avoid scandal." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there not personally threatened." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or DAMAGE. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "No." "Yes." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, call it cruel." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this burst into a hearty fit of laughter. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's some water from a caraffe. your sleep?' the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to your bag." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "No sign of it?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the lectures into a series of tales." question," said Holmes, smiling. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Your presence might be invaluable." presume?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'Certainly,' I answered. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I shall most certainly do so." before the coroner and the police-court." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "But how will you look?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat of it with the greatest attention. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, place no limit on the sum I may draw." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'There is a drive, then?' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the obstinate." occurred." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young crime. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "The vanishing of the lady." charged with?" father's place of business?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and there was no need for father to know." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Certainly." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw detective. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Then, as to money?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his success. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin again before evening." she might be summoned. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, than to us. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had the stones. washing it down with a long draught of water. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me said I. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "But how did you gain them?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in bird of prey. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the salesman. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of