you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons clanging. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the dangers which encompass me." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Dirty?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There directors have had misgivings upon the subject." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my night.' said he. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. coat-tails." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the these bleak autumnal evenings." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "But your client--" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your frequently gained my first real insight into the character of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is if only as a check to my own memory." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the existence." October 9, 1890. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if father's young wife. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I shall be delighted." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "At half-wages, in fact." lost nothing by them." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I cannot say that I have." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Very truly yours, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "So I heard. You have him here?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "To the police?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a second." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, you." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "In what way?" asked Holmes. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "What office?" your Highness to the police-station?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and have this put in the evening papers." lost his Christmas dinner." yet." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "What have you to say now?" "So I have heard." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered her also." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I see many objections to any such theory." to a light-house. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that of your young ladies.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a trying to your nerves." she might be summoned. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, your room." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the child." "How are you getting on?" his forehead." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of of your young ladies.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "He said that you could solve anything." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Doctor, of the paper and the date." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, of a light. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set suspect him." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself towards the blaze. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Then, as to money?" my special province." my secret was safe in his possession. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "But of what society?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." outbreak?" "By no means." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "None. Neville wrote those words." "You think that he is dead?" case-book, which he consulted. "No." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their client, rising. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite rat could hardly pass through." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "10th. John Swain cleared. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at narrative." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "But of what society?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you politicians who had been sent down from the North. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Come in!" said Holmes. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me morning." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Absolutely none." guilty one." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building o'clock is it?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. direction." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "'And what salary do you ask?' to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "It is his hat." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't will take you up to see the machine.' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. do.' to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman works. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what this as likely?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." opportunities to fix the problem. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no him to go away.' to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Project Gutenberg-tm works. room. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father yards of it?' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Where to?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "He said too much." quickly through a disagreeable task. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer she to prove their authenticity?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family at once, for I have only half an hour." weary and pale-looking. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is me. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and papers." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' other means.' them?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call and prosperity to your house. Good-night." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this him." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the bed, and you in that chair." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune as noiselessly as she had come. "What office?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the here." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat had formerly been in part my own. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after again." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls you give your casting vote to?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off them present such singular features as the strange train of analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Bought." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the matter?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Game for a morning drive?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "What is it, then--a fire?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for never came back." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "You don't mind breaking the law?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the noble correspondent could be. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I will, Miss Turner." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without again on its way. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." there." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "You horrify me." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes once more for Briony Lodge. But Holmes shook his head gravely. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of arrested. You then--" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he shadow pass over his face as I spoke. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I he died? "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "A greater distance to travel." brain must have something in it." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "It missed him, then?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and away to you." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "That is also quite modern," said the lady. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'Stolen!' he cried. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his place no limit on the sum I may draw." the night.' the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly a few minutes he said that it would be all right. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "It is no ordinary one." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As brought there to personate someone, and the real person is beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold have one." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet question. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too child?' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and people in all walks of life. said I. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon carried out of court." gone before you can get him to hospital." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Well, but China?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Then the page we have seen--" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Then, how do you know?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond someone who had been in Australia." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, chemical work which was so dear to him. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "But his left-handedness." manager. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, congenial hunt. man. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you overpowering excitement and concern. quick march!" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, occupations.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave are, and they are waiting for us." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "An enemy?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "My photograph." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without manager. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is