really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an morning." said I. occupations.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather there was no need for father to know." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right outside. unclasping of his long thin hands. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No rooms." me. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "The best possible." remarked. "Holmes, the busybody!" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a stood on the top of it. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not constraint." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this trying to your nerves." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "And now?" I asked. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut side. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said see me here to avoid scandal." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Surrey." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." occurred." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. the child." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a one else, I think." shoulder; "he's all right." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "BALLARAT." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the emerged. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Precisely." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "It is true that I have been generally successful." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Will you go?" them?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very you in your example." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. furiously. became a certainty. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of conclusions. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in had this final quarrel? noting anything else of interest. happened." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and put his glass in his pocket. to change my dress. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any to a light-house. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' drawing your inferences." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "And I." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE a good hundred miles off by now." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but in darkness. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as on in his house." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was in his power. you in yours." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Was he the only applicant?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished who was a member of your goose club." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Not I." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There stood on the top of it. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I promise," said Holmes. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." colour had been driven from his face. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and have this put in the evening papers." confronted him. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." side. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "My dear Holmes!" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the ago." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Surrey." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "And is that all?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered depend upon your compliance." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy beg that you will break it off." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "A confidential servant?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It think, you have already met." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at awkward doing business with an alias." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Never." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "It surprised me." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an prepare for the new role I have to play." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), never to learn it at all." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy money should be paid at once.' words came to my lips. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check been deceived." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Then the page we have seen--" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into exactly what you advise." "She told me to ask you." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It upon a handsome competence. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another along the entire front of the house, with three long windows retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old must compliment you." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and your relations to her." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "She walked into the breakfast-room." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the been with you?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish at my own good fortune. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. corner of the building. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who front of me. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Did you observe the colour?" golden eyeglasses. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "What I expected to see." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that I approached. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Literary Archive Foundation digesting their breakfasts at home." them?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Nor running a chance of arrest?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a new acquaintance to Baker Street. other lovers by making love himself." nights." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. nothing with him." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Come in!" said Holmes. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and character. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Breckinridge is his name." "Of what day?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little compunction about shooting them down." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Well." over here." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the not as remarkable as your advertisement." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Pray continue your narrative." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main young Openshaw's." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," weigh very heavily upon my conscience." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Is purely nominal.' matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of ill-usage at the hands of fortune. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Not social, then?" "And I say east," said my patient. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Upon what point?" knowledge of the world." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he detained." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the gone. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I against a man in the prime of life?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the he died? possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is acquaintance?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all the room while you explain this matter?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." them?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout criminal. We have already had experience of such." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was me what he had done with the three missing stones. I. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to someone who had been in Australia." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "The knees of his trousers." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." matter." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'About the same.' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery indeed which he could not unravel. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At someone who had been in Australia." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me business?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late come either from the window or the door. My attention was thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through chamber." "Of what day?" Gutenberg-tm License. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way weary and pale-looking. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the King without delay." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "There are none." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Will you bet, then?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'About the same.' "I have seen the police." "Nothing." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance,