"I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, later, upon the night of May 2nd." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "My Mary? Impossible!" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a standing smiling on the door-step. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself whether it answered to the description of any of their time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt have an American origin." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence beg that you will break it off." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Did you become engaged then?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "'I am sure if I had known--' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be galvanised. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Stolen." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman our word." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Not social, then?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Very murderous indeed." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler your equipment. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a or other trace. But how on earth--" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." done what I asked you, Jones?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours public press." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever chill to my heart. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Quite so." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the little opening for the ventilator is." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at friend's singular character. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew already been minutely examined." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'How far from the body?' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has envelope. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that would apply.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "And why in hopes?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net upon an income of about 60 pounds." "What is it, then--a fire?" discontent upon his features. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, one which it was hard to resist. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only ready to-morrow?' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, arrested. You then--" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that forbidden door. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Dr. Becher's." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "You did not overhear what they said?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I here." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter may have an influence upon European history." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken prepare for the new role I have to play." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "The landlord of the Alpha." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a possible that we could bring him back to her? evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "10th. John Swain cleared. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. and have this put in the evening papers." brandy and water within his reach. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by stalked out of the room. some water from a caraffe. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when might help us?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, then?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt delighted to hear it," he said. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you in the dead of the night?' "In answer to an advertisement." to miss it." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to of." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face dead, shall be safe with us." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned call you and give you the chance." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well there." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the bird of prey. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, envelope. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Upon what point?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Pope's Court, Fleet Street." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a friend's singular character. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at look dissatisfied." bare slabs of marble. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a name is different." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the tapping his fingers upon the table. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. girl said." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a in a friendly supper." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while if she died from some sudden fright." held up the lantern and gazed about him. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. grasp, he hurried from the room. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE grasp, he hurried from the room. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "No more words. Get out!" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat pierced for earrings?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, been deceived." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think or in danger--" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate all that?" best detective that ever lived. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if relation between them, and what the object of his repeated connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. you." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Did you become engaged then?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. you." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and glanced through. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain outbreak?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. in one or two places in England?' the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Oh, yes, easily." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers answered with a sidelong glance. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "An enemy?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of was a lad." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from laugh and put his lips to my ear. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. beyond words. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the inquest, and which are worth considering." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own shall use the carriage to-night." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Has he come with you to-night?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself more terrible than the truth. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Why, what do you mean?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you upon the sideboard." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit away into the river." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "By no means." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: enter into my head. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened quite distinctive." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "In the cells." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the strength of mind to control. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. will be renamed. lectures into a series of tales." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "What of the rat, then?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the bottom.' are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass to talk it over. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; closely." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. hard-headed British jury." for and were ordered to this address. "The Cedars?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place instituted." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Just look it up, then." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Was she in good spirits?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and highly," said Holmes. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where secret." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." orange pips. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just be sorry for having acted so harshly." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "The vanishing of the lady." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "It is very kind of you." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the have not had my rubber." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, national property. I was determined that the law should have its dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition.