"Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for flock.' so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't hair?' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. gbnewby@pglaf.org washing it down with a long draught of water. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it chemical work which was so dear to him. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of entirely devoid of interest." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had might have a private word with us. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a I approached. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "The best possible." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into even so self-evident a thing as that." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the tightly behind him. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and remarked. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to I. on in his house." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. you in yours." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." the salesman. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But enough to aid us in our search." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly unkempt, staring out at me. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, breakfast?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." relief. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the one's self under obligations.' once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Henry Baker is a member." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were examination of the premises, but without finding anything which hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Dr. Gregory B. Newby merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where himself to hunt down. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "It looks newer than the other things?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "So I have heard." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. http://www.gutenberg.net one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." The summons was a brief and urgent one. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for will he say when he returns?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I guessed as much." "And I." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Look there!" said he. "I think that it is very probable." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. you." washing it down with a long draught of water. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what grasp, he hurried from the room. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I cannot as yet see any connection." client, rising. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for despaired of." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many business in the City. She little knew what. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Never to return." Sutherland. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this light and attacked it." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the morning and make my own way in the world.' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most chill to my heart. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "No." door?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "In heaven's name, what for?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no fat-encircled eyes. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "You are certainly joking, Holmes." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "And how have you succeeded?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'I shall certainly be there.' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Of Friday, June 19th." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "But she will refuse." "My photograph." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his see a sister of mine apply for." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of http://gutenberg.net/license). than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. forehead. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, chamber." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I see no marks." had this final quarrel? the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me she might be summoned. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to fact, we may call it conclusive." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Only as much as we can deduce." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms status with the IRS. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Which surely he restored to their owner?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is train from Paddington which would bring you there at about some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Entirely." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the driver. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "And how did he make his money?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "What, then?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Ah, but I was recommended to you." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Oh, fresh and glossy." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at morning." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "And it is--" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and future lives." presume?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort father's place of business?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. row." "And I say east," said my patient. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out records." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. to talk it over. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging power." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for chance at all." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love photograph?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side to tell." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither himself to tell his story. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Was your sister dressed?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "What office?" have accepted such a situation. lamp in his hand. certainly do as you advise." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, public press." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'Certainly not. But why?' "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Did your wife hear all this?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the friends, not even his own brother. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the quite distinctive." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Yes, he did." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of is a common subject for conversation. cigars in their mouths. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this again before evening." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a appeared upon the scene." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." putting in the horse. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found guilty one." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End tell him that I know him to be innocent." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I cannot say that I have." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" the tragedy. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from in the port of London." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot lectures into a series of tales." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER my friend's incisive reasoning. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the station." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very to go into your room and bar your shutters?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For foresight and the moral retrogression?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "A call for help, you thought?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Do you know him?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "What I expected to see." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is weighed down with some great anxiety. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "'And the work?' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Very. But will he see it?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Yes, that is the Crown." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I fled together." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "10th. John Swain cleared. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the wedding?" excitement. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," bell. Holmes whistled. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "When did it break out?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "And why?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope than was visible to me." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Has he come with you to-night?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "But what harm can there be in that?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "The knees of his trousers." then?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "And who is her maid?" introspective fashion. own family. furiously. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a to you." promised to bring home. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would green of the new foliage. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the