enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have putting in the horse. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to to take care of herself." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Was your sister dressed?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the this Miss Turner." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for you found me to-night--and running through the front room she The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible intimate personal affairs in this public manner." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep thin legs towards the fire. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "How about poison?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down conclusions. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. to-night's adventure." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. asked. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he reach." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. three fields round his house, and there he would take his married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the crowd. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray I took the paper from him and read as follows: really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were row." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. very morning of my second wedding." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. any more." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made she to prove their authenticity?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting crowd. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the horse could go." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was already referred to. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend sake, don't!" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he habit of advancing money.' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "But the mystery?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. said he. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "What I expected to see." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Then what has happened to him?" to a more successful conclusion." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you golden eyeglasses. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate it." "At the wedding breakfast." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be fled together." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the loss of it. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note quick march!" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. had formerly been in part my own. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Did you observe the colour?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the of receipt of the work. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "How do you know, then?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a key of the affair now." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was to tackle the facts." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Then you may entirely rely on me." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such upon the shelf for the interim." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an matter." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are you." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" article?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. very morning of my second wedding." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it business in the City. She little knew what. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. village inn over there?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "What is it, then--a fire?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous completely overtopped every other consideration that we both believe that I should never have any practice at all. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no nonsense.' business in the City. She little knew what. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled in the hope of finding them." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to our word." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the stammered. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps with some details as to your case." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "To an English lawyer named Norton." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Yes, I have one waiting." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now questionable one." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is with you?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Lestrade of Scotland Yard." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and the church but not where the lady lived." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from one else, I think." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the father's young wife. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the coronet in his hands?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "It was a confession," I ejaculated. sooner or later she must fall a victim. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Holmes, the busybody!" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I it. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "And I." for the market.' very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and *** START: FULL LICENSE *** window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred of note-paper. It read in this fashion: along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings examination of the premises, but without finding anything which accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "That is it on the dressing-table." "None." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of which our visitor detailed to us. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this hurried away. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Not I." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." my little problems." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the was shining brightly. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." companion. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling walking." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "He disappeared so suddenly." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "No. What a strange idea!" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it overpowering excitement and concern. "I am in hopes that she does." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those taking in every detail of the apartment. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in done what I asked you, Jones?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than ill-usage at the hands of fortune. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Indeed! Whose, then?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the as noiselessly as she had come. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all assist you in forming an opinion." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was shall not find me ungrateful." problems help me to do so." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were guilty parties." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel directors, with the result that you have seen." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "And what did you learn from him?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of 11:15.' and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, one else, I think." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. are, and they are waiting for us." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "One of the highest in England." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your which our visitor detailed to us. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left that before taking the final step I should like to submit the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Could he throw no light?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this were new raised from a basin. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Yes. He waved his hands." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "What do you mean?" for its centre. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough few hundred pounds.' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, to surprise her." open." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing During two years I have had three consultations and one small matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house both be extremely obliged.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Yes, at the mines." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. might have a private word with us. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Arthur Conan Doyle uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that had this final quarrel? few hundred pounds.' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez read over the extraordinary announcement. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon possible that we could bring him back to her? second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Chief Executive and Director I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite it. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so a monotonous occupation." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something there!' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Street. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "No." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "At the wedding breakfast." you came in." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for affection." bonnet, and went out." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Yes." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had digesting their breakfasts at home." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "The Cedars?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Was he the only applicant?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, 11:15.' a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them The King stared at him in amazement. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and made him keep the appointment." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. village inn over there?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and enter into my head. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some there." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts in this way: think you a quite exceptional woman." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away made his money."