reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' his wife has ceased to love him." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in instituted." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, what these perils are?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled was it brought him the coronet? home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one depend upon my doing so.' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who other means.' pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Miss Holder?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Gutenberg-tm License. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "And why in hopes?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking with her." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "How did he come?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "What is it?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that ourselves in the office." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and room had already been engaged for us. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution criminal. We have already had experience of such." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in careless servant girl?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Leadenhall Street--and--" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad sake, don't!" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "But who is he?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his again before evening." it." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." than was visible to me." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away everything which you would wish to know." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep and it need not interfere very much with one's other married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Never to return." appointment with me for six o'clock?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Which are?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself soul! here is her carriage at the door." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Holmes' thin, eager face. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I promise," said Holmes. "You have a clue?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the King without delay." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Holmes." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, quick march!" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "No, thank goodness, she did not." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for official police." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." whole matter to your consideration." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Pray do so." this unhappy family?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the you." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "In heaven's name, what for?" them, and came down just as you departed. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "He said too much." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "My dear Holmes!" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Two days later this same performance was gone through under and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Could he throw no light?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and or other trace. But how on earth--" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out of them has the shutters up.' exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I you want, then?' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," third from London." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Street. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" take the flies, but not before." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every been able to understand it, in a very few words. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That official police." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "By train from Waterloo." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Yes, all." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. horse could go." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Was your sister dressed?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Did you become engaged then?" and the church but not where the lady lived." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no redistribution. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Your presence might be invaluable." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His papers on the sundial.'" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'What are you doing there?' he asked. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was works. See paragraph 1.E below. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might woman who has had her own way to make in the world. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news of the one which your family is now devouring." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without be.' at my own good fortune. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "It was." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Get out!" said he. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Eh? What was that?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but confronted him. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "I cannot tell." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. is four-and-twenty." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached forbidden door. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy do.' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, public press." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "9th. McCauley cleared. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got I shall continue with my miserable story. "Not him." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I should be immensely obliged to you." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "From his hat?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "No, distinctly professional." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "No, thank goodness, she did not." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Really! You surprise me." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that all-comprehensive glances. maiden herself was most instructive." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Never." London for the present?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Ample." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with events, Mr. Windibank!" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "I shall be delighted." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the ceiling. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, to talk it over. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man at my remark. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "No, distinctly professional." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Holmes rather sternly. "I cannot tell." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able mystery!" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a to me. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." comes from the middle window." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, McCarthy's innocence. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this possible that we could bring him back to her? written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'As governess?' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" as he remarks, very much against the son." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it advice." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "By all means." "Not social, then?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange secret." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And the cigar-holder?" "I will, Miss Turner." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "And I to find an enemy." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'What do you call purely nominal?' come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Yes. He waved his hands." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "It missed him, then?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, joking. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. way in." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Pope's Court. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "And sit in the dark?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger