unclasping of his long thin hands. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "You horrify me." "I am armed." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Really! You surprise me." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue country, and eventually married, without anyone having a crackling voice. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in was not a bird to be seen there. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but charge against him will break down." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a populous neighbourhood." Sutherland. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever fuss that is made over them." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Then I do not see the point." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the tragedy. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Not him." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Street. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid that you wished to speak to me?' Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Eh? What was that?" "What then?" cup of tea. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and have been better. It is all right." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "That is possible." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Then I shall certainly come." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a should be so warm over such a trifle." shoulder. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the running down." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the salesman. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very think, you have already met." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "VIOLET HUNTER." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a learned something! Where are the gems?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; one else, I think." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "They are typewritten," I remarked. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "And from a noble client?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "By train from Waterloo." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried stepfather?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke o'clock is it?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize golden eyeglasses. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin shaken than I had ever seen him. directors, with the result that you have seen." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can written, and locked the door of the office after me. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, ashen face. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is you in yours." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." It may be so in this case, also." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of must compliment you." "You have compromised yourself seriously." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Countess of Morcar's?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'Then let me do so?' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands nice household for a young lady." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "What! a murderous attack?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the keep the flames under. "Were they all fastened this morning?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I should be immensely obliged to you." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at of them has the shutters up.' with the outside air!" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they electronic works remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and capable of preserving a secret.' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual vault. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, forehead. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the get her out of the way." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Nothing." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Sutherland?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us geese which you supplied to the Alpha." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my this poor creature." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Pray let us have it, for all that." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Then what has happened to him?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "May I see it?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. II. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Stolen, then." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Nothing." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to persecution?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were even of instruction." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to all that?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off away to you." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but chair. "Well, but China?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I think it very unlikely." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Just look it up, then." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." in him." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'I have already given you my word.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a to that open window." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That strength." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, and capable of preserving a secret.' there!' "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'Entirely.' reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. not come at once?" "You think that he is dead?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "It must be recovered." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'Is purely nominal.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique forehead. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Yes." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and pierced for earrings?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was his cane at the bell-pull. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Bought." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in it means?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've have an American origin." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster which it had come upon my father." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the in my life." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. sake, don't!" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' in this way: of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Well, some hundreds of times." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped is a common subject for conversation. Edgeware Road. them?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to a few minutes he said that it would be all right. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not License. You must require such a user to return or in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Which are?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue said he. "Witness: It was. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Eyford." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation him to be an active member of the medical profession." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this his eyes and forehead. do you make of it all?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social to tackle the facts." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, round and wave him away like that.' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "No good news?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes tell me that you intended to go into harness." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, he. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us is entirely a question of barometric pressure." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Holmes. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his you give your casting vote to?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little bachelor.' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Yes, from Horsham." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. not fit the lock." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "The Coroner: What do you mean? Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the second." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Stoke Moran?" said he. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, of the vacancies.' terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "None." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. matter." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the III.