here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an License. You must require such a user to return or the warnings." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in wife's character?" answered with a sidelong glance. "Nothing." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "No bad?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. good for you to do.' is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. disappearance of these gems?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms in his hands." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of case before our client came into the room." distinguish the words: side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be fatally injured? that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Yes." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to secret." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. name is different." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Nearly eleven." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest official police." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "My own seal." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you society." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful voice. "When did it break out?" the south-west, I see." "And why in hopes?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I am to be neutral?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been question," said Holmes, smiling. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no gone. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler unclasping of his long thin hands. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, despaired of." I have it here in my museum." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the salesman. the south-west, I see." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of rooms." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Nothing." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "His face fell immediately. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this problems help me to do so." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Thank you. And your address?" as yours." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously will be renamed. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I there when the Rucastles went away." fishes. "'And what salary do you ask?' sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the matter?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to III. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the general public were present, then?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a some mystery and the punishment of some crime." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had imbecility!" he cried. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Again Holmes raved in the air. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if would apply.' "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. with you alone." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I indiscretion." is now desirous of getting those letters back." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came wall." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had locked. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his it." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, in one or two places in England?' the best of training." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging nonsense.' "One?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary late." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are think that any burglar could have done. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become people in all walks of life. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. must be when I saw the door open.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Then you may be so with me." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at drove away. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Just look it up, then." Mrs. Toller serenely. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK out of this horrible affair." be. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Here?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to directors, with the result that you have seen." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we think you a quite exceptional woman." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Yes. He waved his hands." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. when your master had gone out." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, to talk it over. must be when I saw the door open.' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very quite distinctive." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very outside. it were putty." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving is worth.' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted before the coroner and the police-court." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases own family. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "In what way?" asked Holmes. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. front of me. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "What! a murderous attack?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler him to be an active member of the medical profession." recover the gem." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, may have an influence upon European history." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to without a word or a look. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being shaken than I had ever seen him. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who occupations.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "And now?" He raised his hand. crime. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each to arrive at through this?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we third from London." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features not come at once?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur hour." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I shall most certainly do so." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be have had none more fantastic than this." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the could not have written that. It is the German who is so There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "But your client--" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece is acting for the best. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Very. But will he see it?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the crackling voice. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an opportunities to fix the problem. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few was feeling which was the fattest.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and your relations to her." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "So I am. Very much so." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "And how have you succeeded?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'Where to?' indeed which he could not unravel. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't relief. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my with the outside air!" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and I was concerned in it." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Come in!" said he. attention." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have information in his hands the value of which he did not himself that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her them?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every examination of the premises, but without finding anything which chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. chamber." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "To an end?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have key turn in the lock." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned noting anything else of interest. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his was a lad." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the back to my heart. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Certainly." "Then he might have called to you?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat behind me. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad.