off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Where, indeed?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "My opinion is in no way altered." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the rose-bushes. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital upon the white wrist. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who green of the new foliage. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Do you know him?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "What is it, then--a fire?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and come either from the window or the door. My attention was room had already been engaged for us. "I cannot say that I have." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Entirely." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss whereabouts. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton yourselves in at night?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Leave Paddington by the 11:15." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I appointment with me for six o'clock?" down. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Ample.' "I know where it is." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless geese which you supplied to the Alpha." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? stood on the top of it. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I cannot as yet see any connection." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of mysterious end." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's six. Come in!" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn will be renamed. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Entirely." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no think that any burglar could have done. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in be.' "You have but to name it." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of this man was intellectual?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Pray continue your narrative." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "How did that help you?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "BALLARAT." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "You did not overhear what they said?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the very old mansion. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper there was no need for father to know." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, families. Now for the facts. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the if only as a check to my own memory." "The gentleman I describe." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the girl said." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in goes." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. all-comprehensive glances. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Ten will be early enough." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. against a man in the prime of life?" following enigmatical notices: "You forget that I know nothing about it." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed society." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter investigation." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I guessed as much." "Where to?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "One?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital were wasted." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her signal between you and your father? said he. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the nothing of it?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Yes, that is the Crown." "Why did you pick him?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Yes, sir." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "That is possible." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was written. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our already referred to. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's of Fenchurch Street." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. paper in the air. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his man. I know him from the photograph." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was words came to my lips. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security morning." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to little adventures." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to ordinary clothes on?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain corner of the building. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon directors, with the result that you have seen." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "We have tried and failed." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him bird of prey. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "And leave your case unfinished?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Never." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "ARAT," I read. head. So long, then!" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret never came back." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Have you it here?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "My stepfather's business papers." telegram would bring me down to your help." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, have had none more fantastic than this." said he at last. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire down. "Certainly." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I have a cab outside." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." http://gutenberg.net/license). upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was them?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "What! Had he lost his wife?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John have an American origin." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And outside. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my 'I should be able to look after that for you.' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "To an end?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced despaired of." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of as yours." and a shock of very red hair. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. disappearance of these gems?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before acted in my house last night?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "It is true that I have been generally successful." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, him nearly every evening." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "He said too much." "I have come for advice." lamp in his hand. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the cause to be." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "What?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last definite end. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly are, I think, all that we need." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at you." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss again, where I was soon asleep. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Precisely." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Witness: Nothing definite. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'It is locked up,' I answered. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with that he will be back before evening." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of extraordinary contortions. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which than was visible to me." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Get out!" said he. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all have established a very serious case against the son of the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable carried out of court." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "I have my revolver," said I. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to written, and locked the door of the office after me. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really You can understand that this register and diary may implicate common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "What! a murderous attack?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to opportunities to fix the problem. union?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'Ten to two.' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five might help us?" advice." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, served to weaken the effect. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue dead, shall be safe with us." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my ordinary clothes on?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so your Highness to the police-station?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall are, and they are waiting for us." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Yes, at the mines." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over During two years I have had three consultations and one small