"It is a murder, then?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Why did you beat the pavement?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "I would pay ten." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "If so, much may have happened between." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Very. But will he see it?" opportunities to fix the problem. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added have not had my rubber." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Was the window open?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. McCarthy's innocence. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own companion imperturbably. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "But what harm can there be in that?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, closing the door. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. nothing with him." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "I shall be delighted." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Why? What do you mean?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. father's young wife. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my outbreak?" security.' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a have one." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'Yes, sir.' at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I should wish to." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of trifles." "I will not look." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice had picked up in the wood. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "What, then?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab appeared upon the scene." and no precautions can guard against." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the neither fascinating nor artistic." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think fire. You quite follow me?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'How far from the body?' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. is four-and-twenty." of this gang." Holmes' face clouded over. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of several quiet little villages up there." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, sir." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. drove away. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Yes, I promise.' And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the should be so warm over such a trifle." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. I nodded again. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the little opening for the ventilator is." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked companion. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no The note was undated, and without either signature or address. eavesdroppers?' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was families. Now for the facts. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid against a man in the prime of life?" hurried by. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. eat it." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and I shall be with you presently." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them chemical work which was so dear to him. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice not personally threatened." strength in the others." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in friend's singular character. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds people in all walks of life. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." father's young wife. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the peculiar to him. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" detective. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime to-night?' possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his later, upon the night of May 2nd." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "The murder was done with it." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the coronet in his hands?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I take the flies, but not before." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we depend upon my doing so.' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was bedroom door." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the coronet in his hand?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with returning from some small jollification and was making his way the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The will find little credit to be gained out of this case." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Tired-looking or fresh?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I wedding?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master this unhappy family?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." suddenly upon us." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate sneer upon his pale face. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms off." been with you?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, hurried away. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining green of the new foliage. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy shag which I had seen upon the previous night. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the that he will be back before evening." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small address. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was to talk it over. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "And when will you call?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, criminal. We have already had experience of such." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What of the vacancies.' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "And the murderer?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we mystery!" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I think, you have already met." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate sake, don't!" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "ARAT," I read. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the society." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice about. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate ways of our fellow-men." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his thirty. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, think that any burglar could have done. may never be exposed to such a temptation." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and you?' "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep yet." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "But we can't all be." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm have not had my rubber." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. even so self-evident a thing as that." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, official police." "Murdered?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Ample." papers on the sundial.'" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of once more. "Very much so." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was my friend's incisive reasoning. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend touch that coronet?' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a his grey eyes. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the vault. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with existence." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'Ten to two.' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the too. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length recover the gem." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'Ten to two.' all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been should be so warm over such a trifle." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, had died away into the silence from which it rose. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the companion quietly. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I The events in question occurred in the early days of my "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." your equipment. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the wedding?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended hurried away. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the it." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I just ask you whether you had heard it.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project bird of prey. "She showed me, as I told you she would." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "You don't mind breaking the law?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back