allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "My stepfather's business papers." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee situation." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue place of silver." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Holmes." could gather together that I was able to avert another public action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the derbies." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are morning." "What I expected to see." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the in this note: "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the coronet in his hand?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "No." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss strange features which were associated with the two crimes which so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far people in all walks of life. you want, then?' voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the outsides of the windows. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "There is the writing." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence lamp. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be his wife has ceased to love him." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Really! You surprise me." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for he died? quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I cannot imagine." were wasted." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "He disappeared so suddenly." he died? I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, trifles." as this. Pray let me have the details." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I shall most certainly do so." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'I have heard so.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from pierced for earrings?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to it with his own hands." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. to take care of herself." "Never." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his nights." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "'Certainly not.' possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some lips." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "It is his hat." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these that you can jump it.' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you cigars in the box." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Yes." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain any." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his when you have done it." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the figure." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Very murderous indeed." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "And is that all?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at down from London to inquire more deeply into it." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has new duties?' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. narrative." that I can to serve you." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a late!' realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up relation between them, and what the object of his repeated a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the as he remarks, very much against the son." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone desk. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'Certainly not. But why?' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and were new raised from a basin. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "And who is her maid?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Nothing." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we of them has the shutters up.' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to so.' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' present strange and interesting features that it is no easy threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to I nodded to show that I had heard. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life instincts rose up against that laugh. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some gives a meaning to it." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his ready to-morrow?' than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from any more." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "The gentleman I describe." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the time." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. your equipment. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming and laid it on the table. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for undoubtedly my uncle's." "And sit in the dark?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small tapping his fingers upon the table. at my own good fortune. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "The rest you will leave in our hands." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Stolen, then." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated see a sister of mine apply for." village inn over there?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked copied or distributed: is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, manager. served to weaken the effect. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "What then?" "On Monday." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the room while you explain this matter?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without do.' "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried know what is wrong with it.' plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs confronted him. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered who was a member of your goose club." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from arrested. You then--" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "To an end?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, it right.' to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a directors, with the result that you have seen." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I fear not." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew be. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might any little problem which you may submit to me." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Awake, Watson?" he asked. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from chance." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, as this. Pray let me have the details." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl 1.E.9. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Were they all fastened this morning?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" into the room. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy forehead. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I in a friendly supper." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you country, and eventually married, without anyone having a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "10th. John Swain cleared. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his behind me. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Yes, sir." in the port of London." yards of it?' that I may have something better before very many minutes are than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not yards of it?' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been are windows in it, of course?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to whole matter to your consideration." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, case-book, which he consulted. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see some water from a caraffe. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings have one." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature remarked. "You will not go there first?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' a suggestive one." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton closely." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'And what salary do you ask?' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Mrs. Toller serenely. him to be an active member of the medical profession." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. new duties?' photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'Yes, sir.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were appeared upon the scene." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Stolen." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net formed some opinion?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, fire. You quite follow me?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "No. His orders were to stay in the house." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to a light-house. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With me upon any point which I do not make clear." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know annoyance, but no jest. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. once more for Briony Lodge. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat,