is entirely a question of barometric pressure." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as o'clock is it?" from you?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." cause to be." go back?" this poor creature." head. So long, then!" "Perhaps we may make them less so." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the eavesdroppers?' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old tell me that you intended to go into harness." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I shall be delighted." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "And now?" I asked. Chief Executive and Director other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime their singular warning or token before them when starting upon residence of the great financier. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was gbnewby@pglaf.org could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it more terrible than the truth. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Yes." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I locked." both be extremely obliged.' "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who papers." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the inner apartment." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the that you wished to speak to me?' wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his had a long day." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Will you bet, then?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his call for it in person on Monday morning.' "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to affect your life." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Holmes. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she breakfast?" the little opening for the ventilator is." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." 1.E.9. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door stepfather?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Yes, sir." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my is," said he presently: strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'Why that?' I asks. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to furiously. important." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which of campaign. business in the City. She little knew what. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, may have an influence upon European history." that he has suffered." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique window when the police appeared." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Yes, but only for you and me." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and may have an influence upon European history." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "No legal papers or certificates?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. bird of prey. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are have one." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these a little more before I quite committed myself. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'About the same.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the despaired of." best detective that ever lived. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, remarked. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Why, it's a dummy," said he. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and strong reason behind." have had none more fantastic than this." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." it with his own hands." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of are windows in it, of course?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Is he quiet?" outside." Watson," he said cordially. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to surprise her." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a a good hundred miles off by now." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Did you observe the colour?" "What have you to say now?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his rooms." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "On Monday." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "The vanishing of the lady." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you back into the street. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, compunction about shooting them down." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "You did not overhear what they said?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel appeal." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "How are you getting on?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "How did you deduce the select?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "I don't say that. Perhaps." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the Red-headed League." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in anything to do with the matter?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "You'll never persuade me to believe that." less than 26s. 4d. Munro.' the running down." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his country, and eventually married, without anyone having a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and that threaten you." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to overpowering excitement and concern. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was have an American origin." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His fattened it expressly for you.' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." out." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under third from London." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near triumphant cloud from his cigarette. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "No, thank goodness, she did not." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who desk. "But how did you gain them?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King charge against him will break down." McCarthy's innocence. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. extraordinary contortions. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he affection." "But not more so than I to find you." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the inquest, and which are worth considering." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "How did you trace it, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her comes from the middle window." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen to me. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Of what day?" used to be." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not used to be." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my affair. "Yes, but only for you and me." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the For additional contact information: fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but woman." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A call the police, let the police find what they can.' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "By no means." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a astonishment. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, your own bird, so if you wish--" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had hour." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but appointment with me for six o'clock?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty someone who had been in Australia." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to and no precautions can guard against." national property. I was determined that the law should have its from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and instituted." cigar and let me expound." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that eat it." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin seem to you to be relevant or not." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Cross for the Continent." "It is very kind of you." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the driver. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and no precautions can guard against." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the side-table." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "You horrify me!" problems help me to do so." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. see me here to avoid scandal." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it again." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the child." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same do.' highly," said Holmes. to have that photograph." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Mary, has deserted me." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully if I call to-morrow?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You'll never persuade me to believe that." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the reach." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes.