"Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the together. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further II. get the tickets." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad best detective that ever lived. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn them?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "That was it, sir." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I will do it." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I him to go away.' Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the that you wished to speak to me?' definite end. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the coronet in his hands?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted cheerful." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project newspaper selections." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found point in the dark hollow of his hand. kindly on the shoulder. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "How can you tell that?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I am to be neutral?" pierced for earrings?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil could go. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. of it with the greatest attention. business at Coburg Square is serious." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in into the room. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and paper in the air. the inquest, and which are worth considering." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our there were one or two details which were new to me. But the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and your relations to her." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety perplexity from it to my illustrious client. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something know that the truth is known." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other and a shock of very red hair. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Do you receive much company?" he asked. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Texas, I think." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society sufficient punishment." "Nearly eleven." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Indeed! Whose, then?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did colour had been driven from his face. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father becomes even more simple." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the speckled band?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the appointment with me for six o'clock?" see me here to avoid scandal." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "My last client of the sort was a king." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "And how in the world did you find them?" into the bag, and made for the door. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the here and I will read it to you: "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." events, Mr. Windibank!" "Entirely." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm morning." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small reach." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Then I do not see the point." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the for securing the situation." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. furiously. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in occupations.' "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the room?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Really! You surprise me." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire mystery." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I was sure that I might rely on you." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and than to us. "Who by?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the room while you explain this matter?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "And when will you call?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a might have a private word with us. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Could he throw no light?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "No, thank goodness, she did not." meant it for the best. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "But what harm can there be in that?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Entirely." "I came to find a friend." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the people don't know." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and put his glass in his pocket. "Come in!" said he. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to lids now and glanced across at his visitor. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as to that open window." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon outbreak?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was father's young wife. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "The Coroner: What do you mean? and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from not come at once?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would of Mr. Rucastle's." "Yes." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first your billet.' always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "How did you deduce the select?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I say it is." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace way in." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Only as much as we can deduce." "No, I think that I'll take it." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door with the outside air!" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and heavily into it. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after telegram would bring me down to your help." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'About the same.' the salesman. matters immensely." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Then I am your man." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of Fenchurch Street." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you cup of tea. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Yes, it would be as well." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "On Monday." over here." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An feature." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my of your young ladies.' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do advice." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel coat-tails." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself wife's character?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a what is your own theory as to what took place?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four key of the affair now." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Nothing?" as the one I chose?' "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face about. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told as noiselessly as she had come. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "I shall most certainly do so." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their four million human beings all jostling each other within the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very were unconscious?" in this way: often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "I have solved it." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the coronet at all injured?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord strength of mind to control. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before This is what he says: looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "And what did you see?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so fire. You quite follow me?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the date of his supposed suicide." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "You have but to name it." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "And when will you call?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Yes." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. overpowering excitement and concern. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our any more." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "What do you mean?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was breakfast and whispered something to her husband. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all morning." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He in darkness. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the station." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had