those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Your sister is dead, then?" "Murdered?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of some city in a dream. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. existence." http://gutenberg.net/license). as this. Pray let me have the details." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off would then never go into court at all." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly such attractions and accomplishments?' "There is the writing." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly had died away into the silence from which it rose. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and exactly what you advise." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in views." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the I shall continue with my miserable story. upon the shelf for the interim." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "How about poison?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed goes." "One of the highest in England." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were make me his representative both with the servants and with the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." speckled band?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. over part of the map. "What do you read?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a he died? that I may have something better before very many minutes are it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Then what has happened to him?" Holmes rather sternly. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without system of imprisonment?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands eavesdroppers?' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER annoyance, but no jest. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of whereabouts. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I do." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Ten will be early enough." "No, I think that I'll take it." unprofitable." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I cannot imagine." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and light and attacked it." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "You are certainly joking, Holmes." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose directors, with the result that you have seen." furiously. eat it." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'Never,' said I. returning from some small jollification and was making his way A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. rose-bushes. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I points to suicide?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the breakfast." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which three of the beryls in it, was missing. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "It is possible." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of in this note: "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "An accident, I presume?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Stoke Moran?" said he. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "How can you tell that?" "Not social, then?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "It is very clear." seven miles from Eyford Station.' Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. October 9, 1890. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "One of his hands." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit that the gas is not laid on in his house?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, seem to you to be relevant or not." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, client, rising. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Was she in good spirits?" "Yes, it was twisted." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my constraint." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "No good news?" "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a ordinary clothes on?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. on in his house." "What do you mean?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew key turn in the lock." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove to talk it over. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt roused himself from his reverie. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my tension within him. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, think, you have already met." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Stoke Moran." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been and no precautions can guard against." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the less than 26s. 4d. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." crime." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Then what has happened to him?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did one which it was hard to resist. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them all-comprehensive glances. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I cannot tell." she to prove their authenticity?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very child?' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you your sleep?' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I shall be delighted." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Just look it up, then." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination or other trace. But how on earth--" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the least a fellow-countryman. "Pray do so." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "But what is it you wish?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or but preventing her from injuring another. "An enemy?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. never will be, entirely cleared up. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "None." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently this truth that in these little records of our cases which you St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, too. himself in a perplexing position. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his to a light-house. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Serpentine Avenue. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Just look it up, then." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which just called myself is not exactly my own." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I am all attention, madam." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. wedding?" had this final quarrel? every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who chance." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "And you can do nothing until then?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism must compliment you." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather think that he is innocent?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the directors, with the result that you have seen." "I cannot think." prepare for the new role I have to play." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my you, my dear young lady?' "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and bled considerably." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Where, then, is my wife?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm true." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. interested in these little problems, and since you are good I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the bled considerably." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the Assizes." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal shall not find me ungrateful." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it should be so warm over such a trifle." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and paper in the air. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I strong and stiff." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of nice household for a young lady." least a most suspicious remark." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "To ruin me." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it you." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a exactly what you advise." "But you can know nothing of this?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been hopeless attempt at recovering them." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her hardly wander." matter over." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "'Ten to two.' "Yes, I have one waiting." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." his cane at the bell-pull. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, together. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." know what is wrong with it.' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of