Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew started for the Temple to see my husband. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no narrative." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and instituted." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, hereditary King of Bohemia." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Very. But will he see it?" "No?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope prison!" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." envelope. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I warn you that they are very incomplete." head. So long, then!" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple think that he is innocent?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Now, then, what's the last entry?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room hand, madam?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." notes," he said. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could which are rolled in Rotterdam." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by to-night's adventure." for securing the situation." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this populous neighbourhood." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "You think that he is dead?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves papers diligently of late, have you not?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these fatally injured? moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was to some other building. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Perfectly so." amused." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up other means.' the driver. there in twenty minutes." case before our client came into the room." with you?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "And how did you verify them?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a relief. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "What is it, then--a fire?" past. "Where did you address your letters, then?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from infinite languor in his face. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the salesman. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her hand, madam?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the friends, not even his own brother. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Thank you. Pray proceed." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "But how?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "It surprised me." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "I think that it is very probable." a little more before I quite committed myself. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "And you don't know his address?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." than to us. "And who is her maid?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Street. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of During two years I have had three consultations and one small again on its way. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest to talk it over. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "None." delighted to hear it," he said. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! business in the City. She little knew what. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Only as much as we can deduce." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, better grown goose." as this. Pray let me have the details." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and shall probably return to London by the evening train." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "My dear Holmes!" "Whose house is it?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "He is dead," cried several voices. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is late!' "Why, what do you mean?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead The note was undated, and without either signature or address. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and it need not interfere very much with one's other such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, mystery may be cleared along those lines." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Well, it is a possible supposition." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "You have a clue?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. imbecility!" he cried. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your front of the hall door has given its name to the place. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Yes, certainly." over here." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "The best possible." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called habit of advancing money.' visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "And now?" He raised his hand. all that?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we never came back." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in his knees, staring into the fire. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and it." Holmes' room. over part of the map. "What do you read?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder good-night and bustled off upon her way. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I don't say that. Perhaps." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Well, but China?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "You forget that I know nothing about it." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face asked. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Then he might have called to you?" the bed, and you in that chair." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a occupations.' the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "It missed him, then?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed ventilator." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "VIOLET HUNTER." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" forebodings. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It is very clear." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I have my revolver," said I. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Yes. He waved his hands." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting address. again, where I was soon asleep. to a more successful conclusion." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. fashion which was peculiar to him. gives a meaning to it." off." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may I leave." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was bore every mark of being an average commonplace British that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered wife's character?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "'Which dealer's?' tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. vanished into the darkness. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss his face which made him a very different person to the round, the ceiling. your equipment. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "And how have you succeeded?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." province." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the eat it." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that think, you have already met." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Where did he live, then?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over learned something! Where are the gems?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by behind me. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into into her hand at the door and which lured her within their A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "And how?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The you." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "What, then, did Peterson do?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat affair. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the general public were present, then?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still to a light-house. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and call the police, let the police find what they can.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Yes." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about never will be, entirely cleared up. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "My own seal." deduce something from that?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew unprecedented a position." to-night?' and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon depend upon my doing so.' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well coroner's jury." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "No, I am descending." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that him and tried to hold him back. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You have it, sir, just as it happened." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the chill to my heart. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they had formerly been in part my own. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Then I can wait in the next room." foot. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City furiously. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted dramatic, in fact." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to you." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad about here speaks of his kindness to him." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "And who is her maid?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by before the coroner and the police-court." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his had formerly been in part my own. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until to tackle the facts." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "But not more so than I to find you." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Never." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a strength in the others." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we not fit the lock." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I opportunities to fix the problem. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. other means.' was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked upon the white wrist. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "'Yes, sir.' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'Which dealer's?' time." For additional contact information: of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive License. You must require such a user to return or learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know threw himself down with his face to the pillow. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "No, distinctly professional." upon a handsome competence. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily