ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'Never,' said I. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' him!" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress outside." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "But how could you guess what the motive was?" this unhappy family?" "No sign of it?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, his face. acquaintance?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous may have an influence upon European history." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Yes, only one." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "None." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the served to weaken the effect. "But to whom?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his bachelor.' erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "You have a clue?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I him and tried to hold him back. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe cause to be." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed bled considerably." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord definite end. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my you?' "I should be immensely obliged to you." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the it." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." have established a very serious case against the son of the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Street. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the coronet in his hand?" fattened it expressly for you.' lumber-room." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'Most admirably.' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "That's no good." "No, but the enclosure is." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Her father is very rich?" that threaten you." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "What! You do not mean bodies?" "But what harm can there be in that?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no you in your example." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Pray continue your narrative." "In San Francisco, a year ago." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "10th. John Swain cleared. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "But not more so than I to find you." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My it." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to me where it went to?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to burst out into a roar of laughter. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" would apply.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in light and attacked it." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low fish-monger and a tide-waiter." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate to-night?" I asked. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will envelope. speckled band?" some water from a caraffe. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that I leave." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending was a lad." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Not in a good cause." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the armchair which I pushed forward for him. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "How on earth--" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Not him." "I cannot think." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too crime." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are information in his hands the value of which he did not himself bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this there has been an enclosure here!" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, who was a member of your goose club." for and were ordered to this address. wedding?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for advice." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." have been better. It is all right." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "You will not go there first?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Edgeware Road. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely giving me time to thank him. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Very well, sir. And this stone?" affection." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you strength of mind to control. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "My own seal." "No. What a strange idea!" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "An enemy?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Eh? What was that?" furiously. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever or other trace. But how on earth--" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss there was no need for father to know." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "And why?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "By no means." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are stammered. "But you have hopes?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." a room. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a I nodded to show that I had heard. with you?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Holmes rather sternly. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "And Irene Adler?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his giving me time to thank him. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless in this note: before, for it was considerably after midnight. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, to-night's adventure." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual confronted him. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but your most interesting statement." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "That is also quite modern," said the lady. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought to his chemical studies. records." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "And sit in the dark?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with silent! Oh, he will be silent!' are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a thirty. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they be there in time for your coming." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as several quiet little villages up there." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Your French gold?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the one which it was hard to resist. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" writing, and yet I know it well." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there events than those which have happened in my own family." "One of his hands." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings golden eyeglasses. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." His name is Francis Prosper." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court answer." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Project Gutenberg-tm works. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the were new raised from a basin. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for your equipment. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about in your London, you will know that the office of the company is depend upon my doing so.' have got?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must her also." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part gives a meaning to it." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she his huge brown hands. "Precisely." "But what will you do?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire maid will bring up your coffee." the room while you explain this matter?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "How many? I don't know." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual other lovers by making love himself." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "So I have heard." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "My dear Holmes!" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "I answered that I had not. is now desirous of getting those letters back." power." "And did you observe any change in her then?" Holmes rather sternly. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to lectures into a series of tales." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the again." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "One horse?" interjected Holmes. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And why in hopes?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. but preventing her from injuring another. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "What do you make of that, Watson?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Do you go out much in society?" present." in. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in other lovers by making love himself." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Yes." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Holmes' thin, eager face. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and of Fenchurch Street." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from light and attacked it." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid."