doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'About the same.' headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish you." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a The summons was a brief and urgent one. washing it down with a long draught of water. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Have you good authority for what you say?" fluttered off among the others. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely lectures into a series of tales." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'I have already given you my word.' tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'How far from the body?' His smile broadened. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He voice. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. these bleak autumnal evenings." future lives." Foundation in his hands." This is what he says: "What then?" the night.' last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your minor matters until to-morrow." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my noting anything else of interest. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, asked. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of of Mr. Rucastle's." seen the man in the road." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "But I am all in the dark." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "But how?" "Game for a morning drive?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so that he has suffered." becomes even more simple." acquaintance?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I will do it." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in power." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the very letters. But what is this written above them?' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely once more. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A least a most suspicious remark." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "But she could not love him." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "I will do it." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Have you good authority for what you say?" 1.F. "But how did you gain them?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If prove to be little relation between the different incidents of to talk it over. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of http://www.gutenberg.net a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'It is locked up,' I answered. "But she could not love him." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the question," said Holmes, smiling. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided room. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than get her out of the way." "Entirely." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I were unconscious?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to jewels which you have stolen?' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' for its centre. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "And the murderer?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the driver. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which think that he is innocent?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent derbies." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is frequently gained my first real insight into the character of creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "How often?" "How did that help you?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I house for five minutes.' bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "But who is he?" and put his glass in his pocket. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. yards of it?' "Tired-looking or fresh?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm persecution?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "What! a murderous attack?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to of Mr. Rucastle's." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I status with the IRS. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own door?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible once more for Briony Lodge. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. locked." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely there." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "In what way?" asked Holmes. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the dead, shall be safe with us." fled together." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and wait." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies been anything against him. He had for years been known as a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to once more to my work. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I should wish to." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did definite end. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'It is locked up,' I answered. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed to-night?' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and public press." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the unprecedented a position." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Married! When?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark there!' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up business at Coburg Square is serious." his forehead." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of relation between them, and what the object of his repeated hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" out of this horrible affair." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me drawing your inferences." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion are windows in it, of course?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have had this final quarrel? understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I am armed." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very into the room. "It is a murder, then?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Then how many are there?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see coat-tails." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small you." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand guilty one." fled together." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "How did you trace it, then?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" copied or distributed: "Then he might have called to you?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "How on earth--" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Certainly, madam." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is would apply.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "That is easily got." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. him and tried to hold him back. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows salesman. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been you found me to-night--and running through the front room she might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the coronet at all injured?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, upon a handsome competence. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. presume?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I do." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has it." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but not fit the lock." it." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to that open window." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties you." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I see no marks." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my that there was nothing in it, after all." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Was your sister dressed?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "What have you done?" asked Holmes. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst drove away. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "What will you do, then?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Your French gold?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened this unhappy family?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Yes, but only for you and me." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but derbies." call it cruel." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the have got?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in but preventing her from injuring another. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the business." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to carpenter." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting to me. the nursery.