appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an chambers. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an behind me. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope yet." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Yes, it was twisted." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "BALLARAT." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all side. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "You think that he is dead?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to washing it down with a long draught of water. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat second." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is have got?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather three fields round his house, and there he would take his intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and effective." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but memory. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers was a loud and authoritative tap. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. again before evening." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the one which it was hard to resist. over here." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge be best to do. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think again, where I was soon asleep. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged it. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Not particularly." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "I shall be delighted." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Why serious?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "And how did you verify them?" "Yes, from Horsham." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this happened." fait accompli?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The absolutely follow my advice in every respect." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a investigation." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged and all of them with the keenest interest. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place records." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." money should be paid at once.' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "What is it, then--a fire?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "One of the highest in England." "It is his hat." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the before the coroner and the police-court." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he him and tried to hold him back. papers." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the him!" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "By no means." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Not I." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It one else, I think." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "And how in the world did you find them?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the in the hope of finding them." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles reach." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight stammered. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Sutherland?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the south-west, I see." someone who had been in Australia." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I cannot say that I have." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, you, my dear young lady?' What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is were wasted." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "And now?" He raised his hand. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You see a sister of mine apply for." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. this remarkable episode. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, some water from a caraffe. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to lamp in his hand. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. least a most suspicious remark." "I cannot think." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I was afraid that you were engaged." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the child." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "How long did she speak to this Alice?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger returned to France?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "But not more so than I to find you." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "No." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "And I to find an enemy." dates and names. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "No." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, or other trace. But how on earth--" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by look upon these things in a different way." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your was the fact that his father should, according to his account, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Never." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, back alive. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I to-morrow." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "You have it, sir, just as it happened." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I washing it down with a long draught of water. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." where we are going." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss most important business. It is probable that he will be away all About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Perfectly so." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with out of this horrible affair." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "What, then?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very cost them two and thirty pounds." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address direction." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Leadenhall Street--and--" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their stepfather?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, my special province." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "A call for help, you thought?" Foundation He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the salesman. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried fattened it expressly for you.' midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "By no means." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "His face fell immediately. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be useful material for showing traces. The double line a little back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Yes, I have one waiting." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "No. What a strange idea!" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Your presence might be invaluable." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of may never be exposed to such a temptation." indiscretion." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "I fear not." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "The doctor?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Why did you pick him?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at said I. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do lumber-room." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" emerged. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. paper in the air. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced have I gained?" me where it went to?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's spark where all is dark to me." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I did not hear it also.' to that open window." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Won't it ring?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan room. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "He is still with you, I presume?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I leave." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We be. character. good-night and bustled off upon her way. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." you." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, to arrive at through this?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms 'please.'" over here." read it out to me." "Yes." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is