infinite languor in his face. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and I shall be with you presently." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is the coronet at all injured?" Holmes rather sternly. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of For additional contact information: "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so fear." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though directly by questioning you." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the unprofitable." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length crackling voice. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." to you." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I am still in the dark." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the the very morning of the wedding." "At what time?" to-night?' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at only touch the interest." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her girl said." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "And when will you call?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "From his hat?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is them present such singular features as the strange train of "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "That is also quite modern," said the lady. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you habit of advancing money.' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than ill-usage at the hands of fortune. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and the colonel ushered me in. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I investigation." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to a light-house. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "That is easily got." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade outbreak?" "At the wedding breakfast." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for my secret was safe in his possession. companion imperturbably. case-book, which he consulted. in him." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers present." "The best possible." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep I think that I could be of assistance to you." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'It is locked up,' I answered. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose best detective that ever lived. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Here?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Yes, he did." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Not particularly." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Dr. Becher's." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. through." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away mystery may be cleared along those lines." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me eavesdroppers?' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, case-book, which he consulted. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I beg pardon." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which newspaper selections." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. that I am arrested." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "So I am. Very much so." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Who by?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "The Coroner: What do you mean? standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He handed it to him. "How do you know, then?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that not as remarkable as your advertisement." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "It came here." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that do.' of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open too. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking British peeress.'" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his that there was nothing in it, after all." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Certainly." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "9th. McCauley cleared. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than What do you deduce from it?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "And you can do nothing until then?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of dramatic, in fact." "It looks newer than the other things?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally his wife has ceased to love him." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of the one which your family is now devouring." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Eyford at 11:15.' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Then I do not see the point." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." even of instruction." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed before, for it was considerably after midnight. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect light and attacked it." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in instincts rose up against that laugh. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards posted to-day." fishes. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Nothing." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone own family. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Was she in good spirits?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." chance at all." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of read over the extraordinary announcement. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we it." upon an income of about 60 pounds." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Not yet." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "A confidential servant?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the them?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a ready to-morrow?' to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a here and I will read it to you: continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in death." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Certainly." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Literary Archive Foundation "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London infinite languor in his face. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid interested in these little problems, and since you are good widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "From his hat?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the distinguish the words: I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's showing my impatience. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "What I expected to see." "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a soul! here is her carriage at the door." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and views." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I am about to be married." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were American. Then who could this American be, and why should he together. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you answer." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the weary and pale-looking. helping a boy to put up the shutters. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Pope's Court, Fleet Street." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel a monotonous occupation." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, happened." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was made his money." it means?" place of silver." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall generous with you in money matters.' clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, not come at once?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she photograph a cabinet?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked hand, madam?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. instituted." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was lumber-room." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. think, you have already met." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is good-night and bustled off upon her way. him!" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "What, then, did Peterson do?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the date of his supposed suicide." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped crime. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Certainly, madam." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to carpenter." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such detective. them?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a certainly do as you advise." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he individual and becomes the badge of a society." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but