"'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael in your London, you will know that the office of the company is there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and no precautions can guard against." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for way in everything. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally brought there to personate someone, and the real person is must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a business." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the night.' this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever shadow pass over his face as I spoke. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "And your mother is alive?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his McCarthy's innocence. a room. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "You have a clue?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study gigantic client. when you have done it." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view acted in my house last night?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "And that is--" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Mrs. Toller serenely. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking other, as fresh and trim as possible. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Very much so." the room while you explain this matter?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping cigars in their mouths. footfalls from the street. time." I shall communicate with you." woman." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "And you can do nothing until then?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen gives a meaning to it." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "'A dozen yards or so.' "'I have heard so.' eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Then I am your man." "Perhaps we may make them less so." weary and pale-looking. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might friend's singular character. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in least a most suspicious remark." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had was a perfect sample of the class. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers this unhappy family?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. showing my impatience. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Yes, sir." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Oh, yes, easily." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. persecution?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which as the one I chose?' thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I am still in the dark." envelope. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Not particularly." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, in him." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Ample." disappearance of these gems?" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such feature." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had some water from a caraffe. here and I will read it to you: His smile broadened. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked which it had come upon my father." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "When did she vanish, then?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most suspect him." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down I shall continue with my miserable story. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Where, then, is my wife?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached crime." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Whose house is it?" if only as a check to my own memory." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "It must be recovered." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "And who is her maid?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "No, thank goodness, she did not." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "It is his hat." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the are, I think, all that we need." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "She will not sell." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." are, I think, all that we need." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "In which, sir?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Here?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Certainly." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed assist you in forming an opinion." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Yes." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a my special province." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to remarked. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have seem to you to be relevant or not." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "That also I could fathom." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I emerged. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Yes, that is the Crown." an introduction to him?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case there." of his shoulders. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would cigars in their mouths. that he has suffered." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Deserted you?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It is a murder, then?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Sutherland?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "My photograph." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of address. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the inner apartment." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire like gravel from a pit.' morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than right! Sit down and let us talk it over." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and them?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you means taking possession of that which another person has a prior doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "It missed him, then?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to weary and pale-looking. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "How often?" death." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. few hundred pounds.' loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." has little to do with my story." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and plantation.' grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for child?' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Clair, of Lee." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided what do you think they found in the pockets?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest into the room. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to to arrive at through this?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and society." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "The vanishing of the lady." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Imitated." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Two days later this same performance was gone through under that you saw all that I did." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case good for you to do.' Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. showing my impatience. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel has little to do with my story." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon my room." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready joking. or in danger--" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. there." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of absorbing." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, The summons was a brief and urgent one. works. See paragraph 1.E below. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or felt the room to be a little close.' once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'In my own bureau.' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "And what then?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains following enigmatical notices: was not a bird to be seen there. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning problems help me to do so." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, here and I will read it to you: felt?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, me where it went to?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of mystery." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "The decline of his fortunes, then?" confronted him. "What then?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is any little problem which you may submit to me." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the read over the extraordinary announcement. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. London for the present?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Oh, fresh and glossy." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I something of him before." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was away to you." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily less than 26s. 4d. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and