coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "It goes to the housekeeper's room." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. chance at all." question," said Holmes, smiling. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his delighted to hear it," he said. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. felt the room to be a little close.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "No. What a strange idea!" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "It is his hat." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just better in every way that they should make their position a little While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was from the brougham. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "You have carte blanche." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than with some details as to your case." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one upon the shelf for the interim." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and which was all perfectly true. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." crowd. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the are, I think, all that we need." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Nearly eleven." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Do you receive much company?" he asked. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Do you know him?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at wanted for ourselves." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out instituted." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Where did you address your letters, then?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "But his lameness?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'You doubt its value?' he asked. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the chill to my heart. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Not yet." than to us. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and nights." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I promise," said Holmes. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" made his money." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than showing my impatience. to that open window." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." fait accompli?" "Holmes, the busybody!" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter strode off upon his way. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which conceal it?" status with the IRS. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded to-night." promised to bring home. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and http://gutenberg.net/license). set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on paper in the air. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of gbnewby@pglaf.org I approached. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it despair." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "My private note-paper." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately him to go away.' should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried you." bedroom door." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I have hopes." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, is," said he presently: deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a his wife has ceased to love him." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were strength." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor husband's writing, madam." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I him to go away.' clanging. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For which are rolled in Rotterdam." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in jewels which you have stolen?' opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little this as likely?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in with some details as to your case." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his looking up at the numbers of the houses." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of with you alone." "'About the same.' When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, time." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "On the contrary, this is the right side." certainly not very gracious." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." morning." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler will find little credit to be gained out of this case." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and looked back. been shamefully used." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the pressing in one house as in another. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed which I could not give. He asked for Alice. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this to you." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you shag which I had seen upon the previous night. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the coronet in his hands?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Why serious?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "My own seal." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'And what salary do you ask?' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Perfectly so." she used." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight his fortune, and I went back to pa. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no goes." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so events than those which have happened in my own family." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet posted to-day." redistribution. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. it." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "My opinion is in no way altered." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the side-table." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I cannot imagine." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me vault. comes from the middle window." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the been." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I was mad--insane." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I see many objections to any such theory." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will photograph?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. British peeress.'" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when pity, because in other respects you would really have done very hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my have been better. It is all right." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Certainly." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began examine." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." For additional contact information: the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the emerged. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "And sit in the dark?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three is entirely a question of barometric pressure." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot hurried away. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the morning." had a long day." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "But not more so than I to find you." I nodded again. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an of the vacancies.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "We were both in the photograph." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Has he come with you to-night?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, tapping his fingers upon the table. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the devil!" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you minor matters until to-morrow." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Quite so." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where shoulder; "he's all right." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of there!' "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine your sleep?' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Not in a good cause." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer delirious. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." out of this horrible affair." "Never." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." client, rising. presume?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De During two years I have had three consultations and one small to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Then you may be so with me." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I will, Miss Turner." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which your only hope of safety." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing words came to my lips. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear that?' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "By all means." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir During two years I have had three consultations and one small might help us?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith