"I will get her to show me." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must and no precautions can guard against." have established a very serious case against the son of the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the together. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its opened the door, and slipped through. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "That also I could fathom." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I came to find a friend." several quiet little villages up there." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Then he might have called to you?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "What, then, did Peterson do?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Two days later this same performance was gone through under have accepted such a situation. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of power." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and States. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' figure." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could look upon these things in a different way." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the is four-and-twenty." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "How can you tell that?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I chill to my heart. stammered. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "By train from Waterloo." "And how have you succeeded?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Yes." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." I am not easy in my mind about them." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore narrative." "I was sure that I might rely on you." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the would apply.' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I minor matters until to-morrow." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally fattened it expressly for you.' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down be best to do. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if than to us. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw was not a bird to be seen there. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Who was the criminal, then?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me and effective." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our depend upon my doing so.' "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "The knees of his trousers." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Why serious?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the best of training." "To ruin me." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the coronet at all injured?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "To an English lawyer named Norton." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, may never be exposed to such a temptation." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the get the tickets." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a said he, "my real name is James Ryder." was it brought him the coronet? "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though directors, with the result that you have seen." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "But your client--" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "And how did he make his money?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you an introduction to him?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid that threaten you." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of do.' demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up brought there to personate someone, and the real person is to-night." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "My dear Holmes!" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I should be immensely obliged to you." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to Leatherhead. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with it." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick went to the Alpha were town bred." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, when you have done it." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded article?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the compunction about shooting them down." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his present." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Nothing." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was congratulate you again." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. bled considerably." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I know where it is." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Quite so. She has her freedom." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the voice, changing her seat as requested. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I three fields round his house, and there he would take his pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I think that it is very probable." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Then I am your man." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Yes, from Horsham." dead, shall be safe with us." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You don't mind breaking the law?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "None." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "To an English lawyer named Norton." woman." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "'I have already given you my word.' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "And how have you succeeded?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the some city in a dream. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in clang of the bell. I nodded to show that I had heard. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I shall be delighted." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "And who is her maid?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their you understand?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is use an arc-and-compass breastpin." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the derbies." I think that I could be of assistance to you." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Get out!" said he. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all it were putty." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "By no means." on in his house." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has flock.' all-comprehensive glances. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just will not take me long to tell. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "That you are never beaten." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has feature." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or father's young wife. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "What! Had he lost his wife?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'Then let me do so?' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Oh, the cause is excellent!" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had joking. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I cannot say that I have." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come spare." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I warn you that they are very incomplete." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my you." Holmes' room. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." delighted to hear it," he said. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have conceal it?" that he has suffered." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at call the police, let the police find what they can.' used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Leadenhall Street--and--" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. residence of the great financier. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go seen the man in the road." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "This concluded the examination of the witness." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have maiden herself was most instructive." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a I took the paper from him and read as follows: someone who had been in Australia." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's salesman. towards the blaze. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the weapon." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the important." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I should wish to." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'In my own bureau.' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a never will be, entirely cleared up. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I was sure that I might rely on you." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "How did you trace it, then?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in promised to bring home. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that nights." "And from a noble client?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & IS "I don't believe it." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what from you?" was used.' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, For additional contact information: "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Will you bet, then?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker drove away. in his hands." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Then how many are there?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, salesman. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step fear." "What!" he roared. "Then I do not see the point." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE be there in time for your coming." one of the states of the Union." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather best detective that ever lived. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my this truth that in these little records of our cases which you or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work