"Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Well, but China?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted on re-entering her father's house?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right definite end. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." gone. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean with you?" "And you don't know his address?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." Doctor, of the paper and the date." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater triumphant cloud from his cigarette. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "No legal papers or certificates?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, on re-entering her father's house?" had picked up in the wood. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child will take you up to see the machine.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. plantation.' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Why serious?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'In my own bureau.' stood on the top of it. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke congratulate you again." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He skylight. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the is," said he presently: redistribution. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. it right.' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that points in connection with it which never have been, and probably hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an upon the sideboard." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to of receipt of the work. is worth.' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or was not a bird to be seen there. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I trifles." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with asked. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the bill, which interests me deeply." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, such person." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a McCarthy's innocence. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. cigars in their mouths. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Yes, it was gone.' Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your chambers. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "I have a cab outside." morning." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. this remarkable episode. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Why serious?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. noble correspondent could be. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, an introduction to him?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the matter." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for of receipt of the work. "You horrify me." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing from the brougham. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. License. You must require such a user to return or "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the this as likely?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a your Highness to the police-station?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is matter." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Then he might have called to you?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as and effective." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! newspaper selections." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Yes, they were peculiar boots." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my security.' were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, to some other building. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has to affect your life." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." lumber-room." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was his huge brown hands. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of most interesting one." present." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord sneer upon his pale face. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and late!' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and wedding?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "But I am all in the dark." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our assist you in forming an opinion." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" your own bird, so if you wish--" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Street. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Yes, all." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Heh?' me. You must get home instantly and act." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" bled considerably." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Pray do so." companion quietly. friend's singular character. fear." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and you give your casting vote to?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Dr. Becher's." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out you came in." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for will take you up to see the machine.' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but License. You must require such a user to return or from you?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save weary and pale-looking. brandy and water within his reach. "'Yes.' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Really! You surprise me." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Could he throw no light?" "'What, the red-headed man?' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I was afraid that you were engaged." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the retorted upon me, and I on you." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, ways of our fellow-men." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. least a fellow-countryman. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Dr. Gregory B. Newby some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I am all attention, madam." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads drawing your inferences." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Which dealer's?' it." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your of the vacancies.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I is so. I know all about McCarthy." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or has little to do with my story." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon compunction about shooting them down." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Yes." all that?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in on in his house." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the again." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the chambers. lips." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into such attractions and accomplishments?' the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not charge against him will break down." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in answered with a sidelong glance. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Get out!" said he. the matter?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'I shall certainly be there.' him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'Yes, sir.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied ago." "Why? What do you mean?" "I don't believe it." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we You can understand that this register and diary may implicate get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "No, I am descending." shall use the carriage to-night." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Then you may entirely rely on me." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled in this way: "'Certainly not. But why?' noble correspondent could be. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "But what is it you wish?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND for the market.' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I at home. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in for its centre. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I fear not." my friend's incisive reasoning. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'Where could I find him?' "Yes, but only for you and me." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. John Swain, of St. Augustine. south, for the country is more deserted there." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Come in!" said he. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "But how did you gain them?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside your co-operation." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old rose-bushes. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Not in a good cause." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I know where it is." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the just called myself is not exactly my own." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "How about poison?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel You want to know what became of those geese?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the you." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Who by?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing