Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they obstinate." "Very. But will he see it?" Street. feature." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting late!' "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too entirely devoid of interest." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' imbecility!" he cried. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is locked." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I am following you closely," I answered. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "But of what society?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight him nearly every evening." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' before the coroner and the police-court." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Then you may be so with me." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the handed it to him. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss question. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to only touch the interest." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'And the work?' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "A call for help, you thought?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip matter." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either to where he stood hid behind the curtain. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself trying to your nerves." "'Stolen!' he cried. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held experiences." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" delirious. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his be best to do. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the night.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the King without delay." "That was it, sir." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his I. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. introspective fashion. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which answered with a sidelong glance. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "ARAT," I read. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a you do it in twenty minutes!' "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the salesman. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and breakfast." used to be." morning." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out outside. case before our client came into the room." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in closing the door. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. present." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is three fields round his house, and there he would take his ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, business at Coburg Square is serious." "Yes, that is the Crown." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing that the gas is not laid on in his house?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just see me here to avoid scandal." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Holmes, the busybody!" gone. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, his forehead." "I am armed." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." come either from the window or the door. My attention was good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "So it appears." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I cigar and let me expound." been shamefully used." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "It goes to the housekeeper's room." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Surrey." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of became a certainty. both be extremely obliged.' soul! here is her carriage at the door." and all of them with the keenest interest. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then this as likely?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had what I may call a really hard day's work." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found papers." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond all-comprehensive glances. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "How did that help you?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the so-precious time, but come!' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes nice household for a young lady." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the armchair which I pushed forward for him. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "On your arm?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That purpose equally well?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as allusion to a rat. "Yes, at the mines." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round made his money." digesting their breakfasts at home." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. putting in the horse. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "By train from Waterloo." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible must compliment you." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to do.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among hour?' that you saw all that I did." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the warnings." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow charge against him will break down." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away troubles have been weighing upon his mind. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have hour?' such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "It must be recovered." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Never to return." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss we went to search for him, face downward in a little He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet astonishment. here." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." have got?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of His smile broadened. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just to tackle the facts." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "ARAT," I read. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "That is possible." "I came to find a friend." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, fatally injured? immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for purpose equally well?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the coroner come to?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and kindly on the shoulder. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I or other trace. But how on earth--" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Pray tell us what has happened to you." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I am about to be married." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at careless servant girl?" "Only as much as we can deduce." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and fire. You quite follow me?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Your sister is dead, then?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a of the way of danger. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the your sleep?' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Have you her photograph?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of enough to aid us in our search." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax even so self-evident a thing as that." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive new duties?' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "But she will refuse." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "A thing like a cleaver," said he. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "What is it?" she used." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I am still in the dark." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, bill, which interests me deeply." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Perhaps I have." and the whole place is in a blaze." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Did you observe the colour?" "Will you go?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the danger is over." "A confidential servant?" "The landlord of the Alpha." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be danger is over." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." our word." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes charged with?" "To the police?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the bottom.' after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "And I to find an enemy." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And how did he make his money?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "He is dead," cried several voices. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, allusion to a rat. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and ready to-morrow?' wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the