does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "It certainly sounds feasible." "My private note-paper." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Munro.' even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. records." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Can I be of assistance?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his tail." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Can I be of assistance?" "And for present expenses?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Pray do so." where she found matters as described by the last witness. started for the Temple to see my husband. you give your casting vote to?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "But how could you guess what the motive was?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding conduct the inquiry." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him said I. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an since then to throw any light upon what became of him." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is stammered. was a loud and authoritative tap. The events in question occurred in the early days of my pictures, libraries, or plate. questioning and rather startled gaze. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in sufficient punishment." held up the lantern and gazed about him. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "What are they?" Sutherland. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to a more successful conclusion." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was details should find their way into the papers. Inspector to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of imbecility!" he cried. system of imprisonment?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing spark where all is dark to me." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "You'll never persuade me to believe that." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to future lives." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my less than 26s. 4d. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the running down." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "And how?" was a lad." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the in his hands." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a gone. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and skylight. there has been an enclosure here!" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "You have the photograph?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "What then?" do you make of it all?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year chance at all." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I think that it is very probable." was lame." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "The vanishing of the lady." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is breakfast." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would within hail.' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have pictures, libraries, or plate. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Yes.' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you article?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'I have already given you my word.' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it The note was undated, and without either signature or address. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "What?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." upon the shelf for the interim." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I cannot think." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with digesting their breakfasts at home." "How often?" Pope's Court. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by suspect him." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Is he quiet?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as crowd. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' him and tried to hold him back. I shall communicate with you." the Red-headed League." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts of this gang." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "No." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Yes." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for depend upon my doing so.' the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I will do it." "Very. But will he see it?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'Then let me do so?' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had I shall continue with my miserable story. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "'Quite sure, dad.' charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but chance at all." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Sutherland?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to when you have done it." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you look dissatisfied." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been me what he had done with the three missing stones. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he just called myself is not exactly my own." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "But who is he?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the details." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Only as much as we can deduce." "I was mad--insane." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I woven round him. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite there were so many in the whole country as were brought together nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps which should have the effect of calling the attention of the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I cannot think." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural my little problems." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the vanished into the darkness. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Seven!" I answered. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing tied." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but shoulder; "he's all right." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the stable lane now." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the instincts rose up against that laugh. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight fishes. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." keep the flames under. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it cigars in the box." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to thought that she would have been so carried away." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his again on its way. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his and glanced through. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "There is the writing." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, my little problems." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you opened a pocket-book and took out a note. What do you deduce from it?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "No. His orders were to stay in the house." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "What do you make of that, Watson?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Young McCarthy must be got off, however." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." families. Now for the facts. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, me. You must get home instantly and act." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained late!' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager it were putty." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an delirious. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to had picked up in the wood. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I would give my fortune to have them back." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Yes." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. narrative." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with nights." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Stolen." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for more terrible than the truth. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Witness: Nothing definite. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without possible that we could bring him back to her? "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little noble correspondent could be. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Yes." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. very old mansion. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "No." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the ready to-morrow?' pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend conduct the inquiry." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "It is true that I have been generally successful." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly