vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a bachelor.' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a back into the street. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to she has been waylaid. There has been no result." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the very morning of the wedding." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot closely." help us in this matter." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "And I." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "At the wedding breakfast." lost his Christmas dinner." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Thank you. Pray proceed." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the dangers which encompass me." returned to France?" power." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie into the bag, and made for the door. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had closing the door. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his one else, I think." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "No legal papers or certificates?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Certainly." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step young Openshaw's." horse could go." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no one of them." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his way in." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than which was all perfectly true. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "My last client of the sort was a king." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." of." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door charged with?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been question," said Holmes, smiling. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building at my remark. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Holmes' room. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in stepfather?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and of Mr. Rucastle's." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was train from Paddington which would bring you there at about relief. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that your equipment. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'Most admirably.' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. manager. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! seen the man in the road." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. have an American origin." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a me. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. speckled band?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking unprofitable." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round as noiselessly as she had come. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about nice household for a young lady." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' him to go away.' Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King will find little credit to be gained out of this case." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "His face fell immediately. feature." "The rest you will leave in our hands." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been delirious. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See was a loud and authoritative tap. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Yes." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It is very kind of you." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after there when the Rucastles went away." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they carriage. It was a chestnut." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed because she had spent so short a time in this country that she corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this DAMAGE. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. disappearance of these gems?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with tell me that you intended to go into harness." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible a suggestive one." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop intrusion of other matters." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, have an American origin." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me beyond words. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Watson," he said cordially. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." approach us with offers to donate. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to detained." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Do you know him?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not down. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of there when the Rucastles went away." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "How many? I don't know." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "That was it, sir." "But what is it you wish?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" official police." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Was she in good spirits?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his out." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing could go. politicians who had been sent down from the North. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the dangers which encompass me." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of awkward doing business with an alias." do.' have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "How do you know, then?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Now, then, what's the last entry?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "How often?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "My last client of the sort was a king." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "So it appears." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all legal crime." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "What! a murderous attack?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. least a most suspicious remark." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Perhaps we may make them less so." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Two days later this same performance was gone through under doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." shoulder. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper yet." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other death." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "10th. John Swain cleared. "Then I shall certainly come." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Yes, it would be as well." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about direction." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the King without delay." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I am armed." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Oh, fresh and glossy." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited distinguish the words: "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of I shall communicate with you." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant to surprise her." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. papers on the sundial.'" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Not particularly." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "About a month then." note?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I have hopes." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which cigars in the box." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined a very grave face. his cane at the bell-pull. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining acted in my house last night?" "Upon what point?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. hands. at my own good fortune. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and put his glass in his pocket. to-night's adventure." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles cigars in their mouths. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much over part of the map. "What do you read?" "And I to find an enemy." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. him to go away.' wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a strong and stiff." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "But his left-handedness." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "I came to find a friend." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be he. "Then he might have called to you?" "I see no marks." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Perhaps I have." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" friend's singular character. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second chambers. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Here?" is worth.' fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I of them has the shutters up.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double closing the door. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "How are you getting on?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of friend's singular character. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I said Mr. Holder. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious but preventing her from injuring another. discontent upon his features. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did down. pound a week." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but you?' what I may call a really hard day's work." "But we can't all be." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "What!" he roared. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes all that?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "There is the writing." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a even so self-evident a thing as that." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the