The King stared at him in amazement. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary next day. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or which it had come upon my father." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat back to my heart. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave used to be." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional to tell." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five to have that photograph." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, secret." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's have not had my rubber." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "And from a noble client?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "What then?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to of receipt of the work. keep the flames under. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before friends, not even his own brother. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. purpose equally well?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he head. So long, then!" "That is easily got." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the one as in the other." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, matter over." Miss Holder?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the populous neighbourhood." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the coroner's jury." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to sound at heart." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his enter into my head. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in roused himself from his reverie. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." fasten all the windows?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train if I call to-morrow?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Pope's Court. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a learned something! Where are the gems?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but tail." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together and all of them with the keenest interest. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for strange features which were associated with the two crimes which you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "But the mystery?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "What will you say?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Because he was handy and would come cheap." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I you for a few hours?" detained." wedding?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a in the port of London." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "What do you mean?" "No." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, again before evening." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "10th. John Swain cleared. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of weighed down with some great anxiety. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "The doctor?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Really! You surprise me." what I may call a really hard day's work." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and his fortune, and I went back to pa. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not father's place of business?" woven round him. minor matters until to-morrow." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of be best to do. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully must be when I saw the door open.' heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I least a fellow-countryman. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had photograph a cabinet?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK absorbing." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "One of his hands." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a whole matter to your consideration." time." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." is a common subject for conversation. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "And that is--" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have your troubles." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there felt the room to be a little close.' understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." you for a few hours?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became what these perils are?" "The murder was done with it." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Precisely so. But how--" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I tell me that you intended to go into harness." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Then I can wait in the next room." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the Assizes." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Ah!" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever noise which awoke you from your sleep?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. of this gang." followed. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "It's nothing of the kind." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'How far from the body?' explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'Certainly not. But why?' his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but allusion to a rat. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On standing smiling on the door-step. said Mr. Holder. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I occupations.' was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted really the only notable feature about the thing." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very entirely lost his self-respect." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Whose house is it?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "He might." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea James Windibank. Voilà tout!" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it was used.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "And how did he make his money?" "No?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly For additional contact information: what is your own theory as to what took place?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'A dozen yards or so.' "Breckinridge is his name." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. locked. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "No, I think that I'll take it." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." hour." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That his huge brown hands. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to invisible to me," I remarked. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Stolen, then." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from noble correspondent could be. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between there has been an enclosure here!" "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the see a sister of mine apply for." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and heavily into it. are windows in it, of course?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Perhaps we may make them less so." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "My last client of the sort was a king." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your to change my dress. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers woven round him. "I cannot think." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was both be extremely obliged.' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own gone before you can get him to hospital." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' derbies." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who do." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Pray do so." "No, I am descending." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, His name is Francis Prosper." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, entirely devoid of interest." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Where, then, is my wife?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, my little problems." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the very morning of the wedding." suspect him." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Of what?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of meant." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and unclasping of his long thin hands. me upon any point which I do not make clear." like gravel from a pit.' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "And sit in the dark?" would apply.' open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Is purely nominal.' "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "How many? I don't know." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Very much so." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Oh, fresh and glossy." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers