at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King lamp. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and open." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "But who is he?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining arrested. You then--" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Eyford at 11:15.' October 9, 1890. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "None." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I fear not." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." ago." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Very much so." DAMAGE. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Only as much as we can deduce." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a to-night?" I asked. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "You don't mind breaking the law?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check ran thus: an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan tell me that you intended to go into harness." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin amused." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Precisely." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" entirely devoid of interest." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it was it brought him the coronet? "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Imitated." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Ah!" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "He said that you could solve anything." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place carriage. It was a chestnut." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. unkempt, staring out at me. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, know all about it," he snarled. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my with frightened eyes at his accuser. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "And what then?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "And your mother is alive?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss chance at all." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our tail." "You will not go there first?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite in the dead of the night?' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "And now?" He raised his hand. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Quite so. She has her freedom." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of fine shops and stately business premises that they really twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the see a sister of mine apply for." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was was a perfect sample of the class. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when question," said Holmes, smiling. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "What is it, then--a fire?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you will he say when he returns?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "That is possible." detective. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped know that the truth is known." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since at home. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I my little problems." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." other, as fresh and trim as possible. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I think that it is very probable." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not quick march!" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her lamp in his hand. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black stammered. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I am to be neutral?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." prepare for the new role I have to play." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them fasten all the windows?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "So I am. Very much so." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "You horrify me." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "The murder was done with it." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the indeed which he could not unravel. "How on earth--" behind me. murdered man." "You are all wrong." "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah pound a week." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon help us in this matter." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will http://www.gutenberg.net waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Pray be precise as to details," said he. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the matter." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I am sure." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "But she will refuse." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and without a word or a look. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Here?" "'Very good.' Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that detained." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Holmes. "What then?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to disappearance of the bride.'" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'What then?' I asked. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "I guessed as much." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." infinite languor in his face. "That is not always so easy." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the allusion to a rat. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do like that before?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of again on its way. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get outside. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, John Swain, of St. Augustine. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." address. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his night.' said he. colonel looking down at me. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him residence of the great financier. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its experiences." cost them two and thirty pounds." "It is half-past ten now." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his wife has ceased to love him." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, presented more singular features than that which was associated of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry grasp, he hurried from the room. fire. You quite follow me?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold should be taken.' unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it whether it answered to the description of any of their "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several persecution?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose my room." http://www.gutenberg.net answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "The vanishing of the lady." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of neither fascinating nor artistic." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Yes." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up which are rolled in Rotterdam." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "An enemy?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to father's place of business?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'And what are they worth?' I asked. shoulder. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "How did you trace it, then?" it were putty." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "That's no good." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Were they all fastened this morning?" like that before?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt lamp in his hand. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Deserted you?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Perhaps we may make them less so." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I cannot say that I have." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, whether it answered to the description of any of their "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. in a friendly supper." gone before you can get him to hospital." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can awaited us upon the table. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "And the cigar-holder?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us all?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" astonishment. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and do.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a served to weaken the effect. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I will do it." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "And leave your case unfinished?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be affection." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'Where could I find him?' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety."