conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in into the room. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, said he. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "But who is he?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him danger is over." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Holmes. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the his huge brown hands. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he that he has suffered." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of leave you to your papers for a little." "There are none." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which been with you?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'I shall certainly be there.' no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my cost them two and thirty pounds." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful said Mr. Holder. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the said I. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "And you can do nothing until then?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "You are hungry," I remarked. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If down. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said fait accompli?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I say that I have solved it." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught pictures, libraries, or plate. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the as noiselessly as she had come. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully other means.' "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you six. Come in!" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in cheerful." "And why?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most front of me. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in distinguish the words: we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I think it very unlikely." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "It is possible." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. horse could go." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of he. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'Certainly not. But why?' the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a of your young ladies.' "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to-night's adventure." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And for present expenses?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean yet." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their outside. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "No, I think that I'll take it." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, said Mr. Holder. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. reach." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable tear off another piece?' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a was not a bird to be seen there. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Ten will be early enough." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in about here speaks of his kindness to him." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be union?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this impression behind it as though a window had gently closed in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Yes, it would be as well." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Yes?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Yes, that is the Crown." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. relief. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. of them has the shutters up.' "'Ten to two.' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" opportunities to fix the problem. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of past. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Quite so. She has her freedom." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned back to my heart. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "And from a noble client?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. your billet.' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of companion. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads depend upon my doing so.' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the so far?" business." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had could not account in any way for the presence of the missing complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." I shall communicate with you." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And Miss Sutherland?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'A dozen yards or so.' man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "What! You do not mean bodies?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "It is solved." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if sofa. This way, please!" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Eyford at 11:15.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Game for a morning drive?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom from you?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "And how have you succeeded?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "But your client--" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you out of this horrible affair." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary there!' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City I have it here in my museum." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "You have but to name it." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up assist you in forming an opinion." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "A client, then?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake flock.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'You cannot say what it was?' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room my room." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately 'please.'" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without said I. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before fish-monger and a tide-waiter." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the fatally injured? "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up threw himself down with his face to the pillow. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were skylight. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden used to be." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You already been minutely examined." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That soul! here is her carriage at the door." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "And how did you find out?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits in my life." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "'There is a drive, then?' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Then you may entirely rely on me." up this clue while it is still hot." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings are, I think, all that we need." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for fasten all the windows?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the child." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "No." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at sound at heart." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Never to return." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the strong reason behind." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll relief. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "There is the writing." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than But Holmes shook his head gravely. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "The landlord of the Alpha." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears geese which you supplied to the Alpha." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Ha! you find it so?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." bird of prey. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and hurried away. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb envelope. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the house with me." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard believe that I should never have any practice at all. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On man. I know him from the photograph." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it against a man in the prime of life?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line undoubtedly my uncle's." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of