o'clock is it?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "That is also quite modern," said the lady. throat." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "How did you deduce the select?" that I can to serve you." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not digesting their breakfasts at home." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. might have a private word with us. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. gone before you can get him to hospital." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Very much so." "What, then?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, outsides of the windows. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the answered with a sidelong glance. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and you, my dear young lady?' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The and the colonel ushered me in. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; to-night?' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Did he not advertise?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "But his lameness?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy father's young wife. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "And I." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Pray do so." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the paper in the air. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial business came to an end." "But you were on a friendly footing?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching presume?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "And is that all?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" them?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "No." too. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Witness: It was. cup of tea. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at than was visible to me." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Where is it, then?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "'Where to?' a good hundred miles off by now." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which this Miss Turner." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had searched, without anything being found which could incriminate disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "My own seal." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am strength of mind to control. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said voice, changing her seat as requested. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Yes." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I you." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and The note was undated, and without either signature or address. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that place, I think that there is good ground to think that the locked. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors writers could invent nothing more crude." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "No, I had a dozen." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and we went to search for him, face downward in a little you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, come either from the window or the door. My attention was About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in just ask you whether you had heard it.' predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Quite so. She has her freedom." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though 'please.'" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Really! You surprise me." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Ample." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Look there!" said he. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend dead, shall be safe with us." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose became a certainty. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive for and were ordered to this address. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be you." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, feature." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Then the page we have seen--" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "We have tried and failed." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Married! When?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Pope's Court, Fleet Street." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer once more on the important position which you have been fortunate suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which me. You must get home instantly and act." matter over." or other trace. But how on earth--" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk brain must have something in it." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so morning." be. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case not personally threatened." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has things are very often connected not with the larger but with the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to ordinary clothes on?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I assure you that I am in your hands." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Imitated." McCarthy's innocence. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, himself to tell his story. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his case-book, which he consulted. is so. I know all about McCarthy." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "It must be recovered." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't me upon any point which I do not make clear." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." you?' "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "What of the rat, then?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until this Miss Turner." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the shall not find me ungrateful." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Here?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" bill, which interests me deeply." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features constraint." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "No, finished." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should you." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling situation." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the you came in." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant of note-paper. It read in this fashion: clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the opened the door, and slipped through. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he soul! here is her carriage at the door." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not orange pips. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out upon the white wrist. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? geese which you supplied to the Alpha." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "The King of Scandinavia." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "There is the writing." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own if I call to-morrow?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Sholtos." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "By all means." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Dr. Gregory B. Newby inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest once more. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary thin, with a long, sharp nose?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and all of them with the keenest interest. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some anything to do with the matter?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "'And the work?' planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew galvanised. "Did he not advertise?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the little opening for the ventilator is." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'Yes, it was gone.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, again on its way. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of was it brought him the coronet? upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in again on its way. and it need not interfere very much with one's other feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple point in the dark hollow of his hand. "The doctor?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was has little to do with my story." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Two days later this same performance was gone through under and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling stammered. following enigmatical notices: did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official looking up at the numbers of the houses." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and drawing your inferences." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Holmes' face clouded over. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for your own bird, so if you wish--" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as people don't know." overpowering excitement and concern. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning imbecility!" he cried. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend but preventing her from injuring another. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Street. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the iron safe, which he closed upon it. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'Oh, no.' their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the