and glanced through. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Because he was handy and would come cheap." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not mystery may be cleared along those lines." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "What office?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices disappearance of these gems?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am there were one or two details which were new to me. But the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the horse could go." spare." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "It is solved." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the south-west, I see." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless power." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the a monotonous occupation." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see this Miss Turner." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the coroner come to?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never train from Paddington which would bring you there at about and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Well?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, acquaintance?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "I would give my fortune to have them back." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, know that the truth is known." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness which we had just quitted. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "You have carte blanche." minor matters until to-morrow." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "That is easily got." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Not social, then?" from you?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' infinite languor in his face. open." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." business." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. woman." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and observed. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely detained." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "My photograph." "Frequently." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "It was." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "I am sure." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "But we can't all be." "Was there a secret marriage?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "The doctor?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, narrative." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are know that the truth is known." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel way in everything. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business other means.' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had lamp. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past papers on the sundial.'" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. had picked up in the wood. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk bare slabs of marble. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "They are typewritten," I remarked. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the case-book, which he consulted. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the coronet at all injured?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She is entirely a question of barometric pressure." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, your co-operation." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to attention." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the depend upon my doing so.' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Really! You surprise me." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be already referred to. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. sofa. This way, please!" be. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he once more. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a legal crime." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a walking." of receipt of the work. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "You have the photograph?" one of the states of the Union." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself I think that I could be of assistance to you." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "'Tell me all about it,' said I. introspective fashion. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I was mad--insane." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker geese which you supplied to the Alpha." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "And how have you succeeded?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he to tackle the facts." eavesdroppers?' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "But you have hopes?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar there in twenty minutes." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, of the vacancies.' "No more words. Get out!" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and asked with his eyes open. "'Yes, sir.' of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Who was the criminal, then?" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I don't believe it." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "No. What a strange idea!" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. what these perils are?" hereditary King of Bohemia." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Who was the criminal, then?" to have that photograph." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other was a perfect sample of the class. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "It is very clear." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your 1.F. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "But your client--" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Stoke Moran?" said he. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Yes." closely." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an this truth that in these little records of our cases which you your only hope of safety." "Pray let us have it, for all that." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Witness: Nothing definite. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be to me. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head emerged. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It my little problems." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend his forehead." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'Why that?' I asks. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by it." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is leave you to your papers for a little." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I you for a few hours?" fled together." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked highroad, where all traces were lost. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the inner apartment." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his south, for the country is more deserted there." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution conclusions. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "But I have heard all that you have heard." young Openshaw's." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of nothing with him." outside." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'Certainly not.' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination asked with his eyes open. "I am following you closely," I answered. never came back." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been writing, and yet I know it well." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door business in the City. She little knew what. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported away to you." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four said he, "my real name is James Ryder." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to affair. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to congratulate you again." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a quickly through a disagreeable task. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the stones. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon formed some opinion?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Perfectly so." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the bottom.' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will