very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'You cannot say what it was?' Where does the thing come from?' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I should like to see him very much." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Why did you pick him?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. tapping his fingers upon the table. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the redistribution. about. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Seven!" I answered. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Can I be of assistance?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to crackling voice. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the infinite languor in his face. Sholtos." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "And leave your case unfinished?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the bottom.' St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the and no precautions can guard against." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the families. Now for the facts. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss emerged. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect respectable self." "Stolen, then." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a allusion to a rat. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to promised to bring home. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and carriage. It was a chestnut." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, fasten all the windows?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in shoulder. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "A call for help, you thought?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is written. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences situation." wanted for ourselves." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your details." "I cannot tell." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman been with you?" "And I." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking IS "I should wish to." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." so.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Witness: Nothing definite. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." definite end. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you is so. I know all about McCarthy." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in without success. At last the little money which I had saved began did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the better in every way that they should make their position a little with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Yes." It may be so in this case, also." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The you came in." upon a handsome competence. "His face fell immediately. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Entirely." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at this remarkable episode. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. clang of the bell. DAMAGE. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in upon a handsome competence. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "My dear Holmes!" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the house with me." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and questioning and rather startled gaze. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "That is also quite modern," said the lady. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' which it had come upon my father." "No legal papers or certificates?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these green of the new foliage. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the morning." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. of receipt of the work. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Then I am your man." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, skylight. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent strength." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any absorbing." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Where, then?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I came to find a friend." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the very morning of the wedding." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "A confidential servant?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps to a light-house. even so self-evident a thing as that." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give frequently gained my first real insight into the character of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic 1.E.9. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Yes, I have one waiting." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not chamber." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the Assizes." handed it to him. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to discontent upon his features. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the ceiling. "Well, but China?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "We must have a cab." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. man. "'Yes, sir.' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Well, but China?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the residence of the great financier. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. paper in the air. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Never." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction indeed which he could not unravel. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "It is possible." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your this Miss Turner." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a speckled band?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, of this gang." careless servant girl?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the never came back." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "To an end?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from highroad, where all traces were lost. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." he. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the devil!" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old triumphant cloud from his cigarette. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of giving me time to thank him. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting vanished into the darkness. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of which was all perfectly true. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I have seen the police." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "It is possible." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the direction." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall wall." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so helping a boy to put up the shutters. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an recover the gem." she might be summoned. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. families. Now for the facts. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle used to be." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down in darkness. "'I am sure that I do not know.' orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo following enigmatical notices: several quiet little villages up there." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I did not hear it also.' himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; memory. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured suddenly upon us." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in your London, you will know that the office of the company is of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "In what way?" asked Holmes. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'Quite sure, dad.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house signal between you and your father? "But it has twice been burgled." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get morning." some water from a caraffe. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, later, upon the night of May 2nd." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "No." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "You did not overhear what they said?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed way: a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Why? What do you mean?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she