which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me cigars in their mouths. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a assist you in forming an opinion." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The read it out to me." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when without a word or a look. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, me. You must get home instantly and act." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while opportunities to fix the problem. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "What, then, did Peterson do?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Her father is very rich?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Have you good authority for what you say?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Mrs. Toller serenely. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband wanted for ourselves." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of advice." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I cannot tell." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a notes," he said. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "It surprised me." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul quite distinctive." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and tell them apart.' "The landlord of the Alpha." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of that you can jump it.' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but when you have done it." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. young Openshaw's." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." behind me. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I your troubles." respectable self." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the hurried away. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress death." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double of the efforts of the United States government and of the better had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed long narrative. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." had a long day." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the Assizes." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, hardly wander." she might be summoned. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his least a most suspicious remark." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), My friend smiled. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the any." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. second." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven which our visitor detailed to us. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her interested in these little problems, and since you are good Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I have solved it." note?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' six. Come in!" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Nothing?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically I took the paper from him and read as follows: "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "One of his hands." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to acquaintance?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. into the bag, and made for the door. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "And when will you call?" some water from a caraffe. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to-night." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Lee, in the county of Kent." said he. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done girl said." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie his grey eyes. you in your example." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was lips." "By all means." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between think you a quite exceptional woman." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train which we had just quitted. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in companion. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to he died? "What is it, then--a fire?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made purpose of examination. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Is purely nominal.' sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we village inn over there?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing points to suicide?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The my room." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this went to the Alpha were town bred." seem to you to be relevant or not." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl photograph?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most your bag." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "He said too much." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." bachelor.' in the hope of finding them." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "And is that all?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Very. But will he see it?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he man. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its gives a meaning to it." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "And how in the world did you find them?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, over part of the map. "What do you read?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. allusion to a rat. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I good-night and bustled off upon her way. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "When did she vanish, then?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Precisely so. But how--" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "That is also quite modern," said the lady. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "What steps will you take?" I asked. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you my little problems." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Dr. Gregory B. Newby hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a you in your example." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' not fit the lock." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." remarked. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be humiliation." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a dead, shall be safe with us." "Stoke Moran?" said he. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "One?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, do.' "Just look it up, then." "I see no marks." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a against a man in the prime of life?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Witness: Nothing definite. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the very morning of the wedding." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the annoyance, but no jest. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the window, rose as we entered. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "You have but to name it." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were beyond words. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." been with you?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward call you and give you the chance." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. colour had been driven from his face. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the bottom.' Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Count Von Kramm." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding always that they were such commands as a lady might with Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that our word." of the vacancies.' nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "But how will you look?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a official police." "That also I could fathom." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I would give my fortune to have them back." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. developed." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and back to my heart. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I in one or two places in England?' it were putty." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Serpentine Avenue. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She appointment with me for six o'clock?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never hopeless attempt at recovering them." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The enter into my head. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I should be immensely obliged to you." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could fattened it expressly for you.' "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor appeal." eavesdroppers?' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "One of his hands." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen whereabouts. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the matter." we went to search for him, face downward in a little kind enough to tell me what I should do." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the