gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Very much so." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your even of instruction." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I skylight. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Not in a good cause." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is in the port of London." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "We must have a cab." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "That is possible." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'Then let me do so?' bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it been anything against him. He had for years been known as a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "But he might be a bachelor." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I will get her to show me." it right.' to me. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with again on its way. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' acted in my house last night?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands gives a meaning to it." people don't know." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the tragedy. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third unprofitable." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Pray continue your narrative." Sutherland?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project congenial hunt. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." that he will be back before evening." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." seven miles from Eyford Station.' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she outsides of the windows. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Project Gutenberg-tm works. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the point in the dark hollow of his hand. my friend's incisive reasoning. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Precisely." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "They are typewritten," I remarked. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'Certainly,' I answered. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." that hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Why did you pick him?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "That's no good." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering again before evening." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'I am sure if I had known--' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, hour." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing fait accompli?" III. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for respectable self." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "So I heard. You have him here?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "And that is--" "Here?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my one's self under obligations.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, shall not find me ungrateful." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "This concluded the examination of the witness." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Yes, it was twisted." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the to talk it over. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon manager. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it present strange and interesting features that it is no easy few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker present." if I call to-morrow?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and III. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is disappearance of these gems?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found lips." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of are windows in it, of course?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Yes, from Horsham." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your quite distinctive." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Was she in good spirits?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "No sign of it?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "What do you mean?" "And what then?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "And I." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him certainly do as you advise." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' suspect him." Sutherland. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the 1.E.9. investigation." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his round with crates and massive boxes. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. business matters.' "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Then you may be so with me." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. there when the Rucastles went away." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" less than 26s. 4d. me upon any point which I do not make clear." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, purpose of examination. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Did he not advertise?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a advice." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." yards of it?' "But to whom?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "What do you mean?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a before, for it was considerably after midnight. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "What steps will you take?" I asked. begun to whiten, even as mine has." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought James Windibank. Voilà tout!" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "That is easily got." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Holmes' thin, eager face. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Yes, but only for you and me." "What is it, then--a fire?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself felt the room to be a little close.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "In San Francisco, a year ago." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it train.' "And you thought he was pulled back?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that cigars in their mouths. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "We must sit without light. He would see it through the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," prison!" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "No." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice whatever might befall. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Dr. Becher's." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, once more. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the exactly what you advise." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an way: had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I cannot say that I have." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "That also I could fathom." corner of the building. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned nonsense.' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable tightly behind him. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which not use it unless it is absolutely needed." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "What do you make of that, Watson?" I leave." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Leadenhall Street--and--" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it where she found matters as described by the last witness. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in unprofitable." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. in the hope of finding them." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. she might be summoned. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "How often?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we character. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. one which it was hard to resist. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Will you bet, then?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "And you can do nothing until then?" exactly what you advise." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the roots. later, upon the night of May 2nd." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Not in the least." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is