once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his interest. They are important, you understand, without being examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of shall use the carriage to-night." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Mrs. Toller serenely. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "And how did he make his money?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my there in twenty minutes." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should You can understand that this register and diary may implicate to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "On your arm?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Stolen." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Oh, fresh and glossy." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who pierced for earrings?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old residence of the great financier. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called to Leatherhead. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant retorted upon me, and I on you." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "No, finished." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William that he has suffered." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and put his glass in his pocket. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and once more for Briony Lodge. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are me. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "She told me to ask you." I nodded again. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and ago." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't business." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen crackling voice. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found weigh very heavily upon my conscience." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" breakfast." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he The police have openly confessed that they can at present make better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "My own seal." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the if only as a check to my own memory." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" look upon these things in a different way." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out business." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "No." strength." "No, I think that I'll take it." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the it. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, correct than the official force." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." This is what he says: and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." coroner's jury." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is photograph?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman on re-entering her father's house?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Your sister is dead, then?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "It is very kind of you." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Pray tell us what has happened to you." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly your equipment. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Holmes' thin, eager face. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so new duties?' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some other, as fresh and trim as possible. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich populous neighbourhood." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as know what is wrong with it.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Gutenberg-tm License. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It enough to aid us in our search." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Awake, Watson?" he asked. emerged. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is long narrative. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may better in every way that they should make their position a little coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "He slept on the premises." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "You are all wrong." "Yes, certainly." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock it." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Breckinridge is his name." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything feature." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out this Miss Turner." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "My last client of the sort was a king." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" envelope. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "This photograph!" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Will you go?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." lost his Christmas dinner." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, voice, changing her seat as requested. "'And the work?' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a became a certainty. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with future lives." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I will not look." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'How far from the body?' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the gone. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been just called myself is not exactly my own." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Thank you. Pray proceed." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It is solved." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain prepare for the new role I have to play." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "And what did you learn from him?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. forbidden door. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing upon a handsome competence. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'I am sure if I had known--' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is your troubles." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that corner of the building. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in instincts rose up against that laugh. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a people in all walks of life. golden eyeglasses. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Yes." "The Cedars?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the matter." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "He disappeared so suddenly." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have is acting for the best. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. promised to bring home. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? again, where I was soon asleep. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more people in all walks of life. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "She walked into the breakfast-room." Munro.' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even opportunities to fix the problem. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. direction." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were companion. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Yes, only one." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I asked with his eyes open. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "No." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary his face. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. felt the room to be a little close.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw my room." money should be paid at once.' this Miss Turner." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Will you bet, then?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Was there a secret marriage?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed clanging. "If so, much may have happened between." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Deserted you?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "May I see it?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." address. "I have seen the police." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the stalked out of the room. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on danger is over." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Certainly." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, in a very precise fashion." "It was an hour's good drive." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "None." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Has he come with you to-night?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began horse could go." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I shall communicate with you." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to with you alone." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since stammered. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Absolutely?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Entirely." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Yes." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage lamp. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was events, Mr. Windibank!" south, for the country is more deserted there." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of