instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "And I." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at go back?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and back alive. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was amused." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his My friend smiled. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." clang of the bell. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I should wish to." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and During two years I have had three consultations and one small exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for signal between you and your father? there in twenty minutes." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of persecution?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "To an English lawyer named Norton." affair. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the meanly of me." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "'Yes, I promise.' explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "I see no marks." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Oh, fresh and glossy." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. read it out to me." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "And what did you see?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." you." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook always that they were such commands as a lady might with "One?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "It is very kind of you." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of chair. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Leadenhall Street--and--" despair." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "What can you not understand?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge money should be paid at once.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "How did you deduce the select?" legal crime." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "In what way?" asked Holmes. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came relation between them, and what the object of his repeated secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every of Fenchurch Street." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow becomes even more simple." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "But I have heard all that you have heard." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I go from here to the Strand." the coronet in his hand?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Cross for the Continent." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "In heaven's name, what for?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "It is a murder, then?" do.' appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one daring than any effort of the imagination." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the said I. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "And is that all?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was point in the dark hollow of his hand. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. eavesdroppers?' A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which could not account in any way for the presence of the missing hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Holmes, the busybody!" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "And on what day did he meet his death?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of my special province." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I think that I had better go, Holmes." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Dark enough and sinister enough." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "You have carte blanche." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy in this way: your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut depend upon my doing so.' all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Now, then, what's the last entry?" and capable of preserving a secret.' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the stones. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be trifles." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'How far from the body?' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, at my remark. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the stable lane now." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I think that I had better go, Holmes." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a so far?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined directors, with the result that you have seen." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. see me here to avoid scandal." ordinary clothes on?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." with you?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who three of the beryls in it, was missing. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend fattened it expressly for you.' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." records." rat could hardly pass through." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "The landlord of the Alpha." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." so.' a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle ways of our fellow-men." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "A call for help, you thought?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; these bleak autumnal evenings." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I am still in the dark." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the was a loud and authoritative tap. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Was he the only applicant?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just later, upon the night of May 2nd." and wait." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a chance at all." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "What then?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Yes, I have one waiting." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among appeal." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I eavesdroppers?' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I business in the City. She little knew what. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Stoke Moran." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "But your client--" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. directly by questioning you." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "What then?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Pray let us have it, for all that." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Was he the only applicant?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son served to weaken the effect. more solid." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "To ruin me." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' leaning back in his chair. "But what will you do?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, present." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "To an end?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here photograph a cabinet?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "'And what salary do you ask?' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty bell. Holmes whistled. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible death." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! clang of the bell. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "I cannot think." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when was shining brightly. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "None. Neville wrote those words." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Yes, sir." "Absolutely?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been The telegram which we eventually received came late one night unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up garden below. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself direction." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve absorbing." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the station." "I cannot tell." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "It goes to the housekeeper's room." you?" "And what did you see?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "BALLARAT." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Count Von Kramm." "'Quite sure, dad.' sound at heart." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "And the murderer?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have chill to my heart. existence." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it morning." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must used to be." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for lumber-room." "Nothing?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "And who is her maid?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to-night." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Then, how do you know?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered burst out into a roar of laughter. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, prison!" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "The gentleman I describe." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties said I. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Never." him nearly every evening." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Get out!" said he. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "You did not overhear what they said?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Which are?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET or other trace. But how on earth--" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was do." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Witness: Nothing definite. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Doctor, of the paper and the date." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are it were putty." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little indeed happy." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "The decline of his fortunes, then?"