get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a least a fellow-countryman. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up without success. At last the little money which I had saved began merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say throat." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "This photograph!" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Then I do not see the point." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, acquaintance?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." kind enough to tell me what I should do." and I shall be with you presently." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a he died? "'How far from the body?' "Dirty?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project in the dead of the night?' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. round with crates and massive boxes. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat unprecedented a position." must be when I saw the door open.' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "The Cedars?" it." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. one's self under obligations.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the coronet at all injured?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Was there a secret marriage?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was chance." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she strange features which were associated with the two crimes which good for you to do.' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" him." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I should like to see him very much." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when me, and I could not think that his explanation of the whatever might befall. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Yes, the wine-cellar." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "And what did you learn from him?" your own bird, so if you wish--" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the time." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "On your arm?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Arthur Conan Doyle delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the matter." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael important." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. with frightened eyes at his accuser. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, annoyance, but no jest. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Not particularly." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the hand, madam?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis habit of advancing money.' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I sofa. This way, please!" "And your mother is alive?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his place of silver." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the my secret was safe in his possession. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric south, for the country is more deserted there." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," upon an income of about 60 pounds." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was enough to aid us in our search." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "But to whom?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated look upon these things in a different way." Literary Archive Foundation about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "But how?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many with you alone." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." him. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a of campaign. "Yes, it was twisted." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are locked." not, dad?" she asked. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'Where could I find him?' breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "My last client of the sort was a king." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide learned something! Where are the gems?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten means taking possession of that which another person has a prior eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it was keenly on my guard against him. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and what is your own theory as to what took place?" gentleman's clothes. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way invisible to me," I remarked. him!" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much said I. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "You will not go there first?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main reach." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I I am not easy in my mind about them." McCarthy's innocence. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the so-precious time, but come!' he. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'And the work?' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has article?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for seven miles from Eyford Station.' brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window me. floor. you?' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "It is very kind of you." "In heaven's name, what for?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens girl said." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. during that time.' I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'Yes.' your own bird, so if you wish--" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in dramatic, in fact." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their fled together." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be there is a decided draught." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the few hundred pounds.' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Witness: I must still refuse. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Then I can wait in the next room." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Then you may be so with me." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as face and glided from the room. to his chemical studies. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Absolutely none." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Nothing?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco which was all perfectly true. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, more solid." forbidden door. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been problems help me to do so." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than instincts rose up against that laugh. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." paper in the air. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" there!' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to shag which I had seen upon the previous night. allusion to a rat. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "There is the writing." note?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Precisely so. But how--" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in fluttered off among the others. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "The vanishing of the lady." three fields round his house, and there he would take his "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought putting in the horse. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of feature." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I absorbing." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "On Monday." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the house with me." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." into the room. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience been shamefully used." heavy and sharp instrument." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, definite end. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm acted in my house last night?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Was he the only applicant?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "But how?" your billet.' sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My infinite languor in his face. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "We must have a cab." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, annoyance, but no jest. ordinary clothes on?" the loss of it. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "And why?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot stalked out of the room. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the himself to hunt down. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming stood on the top of it. quick march!" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in brandy and water within his reach. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "There are none." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Certainly,' I answered. four million human beings all jostling each other within the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Edgeware Road. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I strode off upon his way. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Then you may be so with me." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." rose-bushes. "You horrify me." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a