the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "If I can be of use." "What is it?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile golden eyeglasses. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who be best to do. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name entirely lost his self-respect." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it that threaten you." "But he might be a bachelor." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. 1.E.9. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "The murder was done with it." highroad, where all traces were lost. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "In which, sir?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Never,' said I. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black galvanised. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted details should find their way into the papers. Inspector in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I trying to your nerves." "Has he come with you to-night?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the stones. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might records." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Leadenhall Street--and--" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Could he throw no light?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With back to my heart. some water from a caraffe. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "'What would be the hours?' I asked. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in it with his own hands." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before may have an influence upon European history." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. awaited us upon the table. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the bled considerably." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'It is locked up,' I answered. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' you." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must mystery may be cleared along those lines." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the throat." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Game for a morning drive?" mystery!" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he that in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my most important business. It is probable that he will be away all hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the nights." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you This is what he says: child?' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between easy-going way." our word." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand in one or two places in England?' always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever straighten it?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' room?" astonishment. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at be best to do. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Never." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at conclusions. matter." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Your presence might be invaluable." "She showed me, as I told you she would." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "How often?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did one of them." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty weary and pale-looking. the devil!" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." have got?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had window when the police appeared." entirely devoid of interest." to-morrow." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between 11:15.' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Witness: It was. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or to talk it over. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'Entirely.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Pray be precise as to details," said he. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are this remarkable episode. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Your presence might be invaluable." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker redistribution. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door next day. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." young Openshaw's." any." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of that you saw all that I did." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You me." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Yes, he did." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "What steps will you take?" I asked. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "It was a confession," I ejaculated. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." to take care of herself." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the row." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here gbnewby@pglaf.org writer." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Why, what do you mean?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box grasp, he hurried from the room. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence to talk it over. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an became a certainty. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution it with his own hands." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now morning." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, if only as a check to my own memory." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like companion. "Dr. Becher's." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is chance at all." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an assist you in forming an opinion." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It bare slabs of marble. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in his huge brown hands. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "I have seen the police." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." ordinary clothes on?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the one else, I think." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Absolutely?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire fear." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point said I. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "And who is her maid?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" one which it was hard to resist. meanly of me." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked ways of our fellow-men." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the strong and stiff." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, enter Dr. Roylott's room." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either to have that photograph." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has definite end. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Never." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat kind enough to tell me what I should do." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had believe that I should never have any practice at all. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Very murderous indeed." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the window, rose as we entered. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder that you saw all that I did." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Nothing." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'About the same.' pierced for earrings?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Yes." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not bird I ate is country bred." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I beg pardon." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this and your relations to her." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain lost his Christmas dinner." night.' said he. What do you deduce from it?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "The doctor?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. bonnet, and went out." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings compunction about shooting them down." did not hear it also.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers My friend smiled. during that time.' time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "And what did you see?" at a side door. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the coronet in his hand?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, client, rising. had formerly been in part my own. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Where to?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Then he might have called to you?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the death." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, crime. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Yes, he did." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "It is a murder, then?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Heh?' the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of you for a few hours?" "Why did you pick him?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William before, for it was considerably after midnight. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his