London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "A confidential servant?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. might help us?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally man. direction." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and have this put in the evening papers." congratulate you again." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "My own seal." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "It was." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger seem to you to be relevant or not." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "And now?" He raised his hand. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the held up the lantern and gazed about him. dear old homesteads?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "They are typewritten," I remarked. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in you." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, are, I think, all that we need." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to stammered. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is and put his glass in his pocket. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'Oh, no.' arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible American. Then who could this American be, and why should he I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl not come at once?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take have been better. It is all right." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between had this final quarrel? matters immensely." the ceiling. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It few hundred pounds.' of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" little adventures." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "But what will you do?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'Quite sure, dad.' business at Coburg Square is serious." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is silent! Oh, he will be silent!' walking." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son know all about it," he snarled. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "That sounds a little paradoxical." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "No, I had a dozen." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'And the work?' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of arrangements." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "An accident, I presume?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "It is his hat." "'You cannot say what it was?' strength." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." carried out of court." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "What of the rat, then?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "She walked into the breakfast-room." you want, then?' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the coronet in his hands?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He to arrive at through this?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "But how?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fuss that is made over them." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Then I do not see the point." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the jewels which you have stolen?' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "And on what day did he meet his death?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "That is easily got." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my is worth.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after newspaper selections." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I was sure that I might rely on you." the coronet at all injured?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Pray do so." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It must be recovered." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a with you?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very recover the gem." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Of what?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you him nearly every evening." matters immensely." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a hereditary King of Bohemia." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just matter." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he had died away into the silence from which it rose. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Very much so." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss had no one to advise her at such a crisis." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "'Yes, it was gone.' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do main points of my analysis." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed go from here to the Strand." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the you." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I formed some opinion?" cigars in the box." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" over here." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "And I." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which present." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the coronet in his hand?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the best of training." hour?' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may his face which made him a very different person to the round, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert little adventures." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into nothing of it?" "None. Neville wrote those words." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a works. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some been with you?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "I shall be delighted." comes from the middle window." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when for the market.' caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "He might." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You'll never persuade me to believe that." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I in this note: at my remark. Mrs. Toller serenely. business came to an end." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I shall most certainly do so." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw know what is wrong with it.' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "And what did you learn from him?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Yes." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Not I." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical examine." all that?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As forecastle of an emigrant ship. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and This is what he says: I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain is so. I know all about McCarthy." me. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, chamber." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her nonsense.' "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the all?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They through." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" status with the IRS. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I cannot tell." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I suspect him." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: even so self-evident a thing as that." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in foot. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than make me his representative both with the servants and with the nonsense.' and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." his face. undoubtedly my uncle's." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little go--none." the Assizes." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "I guessed as much." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the one as in the other." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Stolen." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "One of his hands." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "I will do it." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. tell them apart.' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much invisible to me," I remarked. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I beg pardon." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the best of training." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Her father is very rich?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper weary and pale-looking. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable how narrow had been my escape. breakfast." that there was nothing in it, after all." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Did you become engaged then?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "And how have you succeeded?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what ashen face. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "May I see it?" "Never." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and