set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his knowledge of the world." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very stepfather?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little detained." "I will not look." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Proceed, then." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her roused himself from his reverie. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Again Holmes raved in the air. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the look upon these things in a different way." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Why? What do you mean?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his coat-tails." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." disappearance of these gems?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Precisely." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Certainly." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time said I. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low place of silver." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "My photograph." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our retorted upon me, and I on you." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to secret." "Of what day?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide him and tried to hold him back. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. arrangements." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and to tackle the facts." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." habit of advancing money.' police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great in your London, you will know that the office of the company is young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another may never be exposed to such a temptation." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of was used.' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some their singular warning or token before them when starting upon doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said morning." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "And I to find an enemy." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I will get her to show me." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "And you thought he was pulled back?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Stolen, then." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for easy-going way." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the everything which you would wish to know." must compliment you." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before think that any burglar could have done. "And the murderer?" "May I see it?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of main points of my analysis." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is your room." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Foundation strange features which were associated with the two crimes which observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "You have compromised yourself seriously." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to Leatherhead. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you strong and stiff." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at said I. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I am still in the dark." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and capable of preserving a secret.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "In answer to an advertisement." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident gbnewby@pglaf.org pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "How often?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow rooms." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such my friend's incisive reasoning. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he delirious. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I him to be an active member of the medical profession." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" fasten all the windows?" The King stared at him in amazement. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert from the brougham. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Won't it ring?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key any little problem which you may submit to me." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'Stolen!' he cried. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted over here." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "'I am sure if I had known--' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Entirely." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of would apply.' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "What do you mean?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean through." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am down. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge despair." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." to affect your life." "You horrify me." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "By no means." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again without success. At last the little money which I had saved began imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "No." place of silver." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong without success. At last the little money which I had saved began job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "At the wedding breakfast." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "How many? I don't know." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "In which, sir?" extraordinary contortions. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some suspect him." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on in. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into to-night's adventure." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "The knees of his trousers." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you from the brougham. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then charged with?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. even of instruction." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, you." carried out of court." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "On the contrary, this is the right side." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed gentleman's clothes. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close disappearance of these gems?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of colonel looking down at me. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "And your mother is alive?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon to surprise her." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call I leave." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Sholtos." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND guilty parties." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Well?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Proceed, then." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts tightly behind him. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'Oh, no.' saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a visitors." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She chance at all." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." not fit the lock." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." fatally injured? For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Yes." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life conduct the inquiry." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was nothing of it?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." straightened it out again. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. bird of prey. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'I have heard so.' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than said I. secret." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "And I to find an enemy." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some be. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. my friend's incisive reasoning. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "That is possible." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman hair?' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, in him."