"'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" noting anything else of interest. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will is worth.' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been unprecedented a position." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold until night should bring an explanation. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when were unconscious?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the warnings." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where strength in the others." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "10th. John Swain cleared. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His of this gang." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Stoke Moran?" said he. leaning back in his chair. the south-west, I see." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt which should have the effect of calling the attention of the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Certainly not.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. opportunities to fix the problem. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up said I. to his chemical studies. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Proceed, then." undoubtedly my uncle's." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for advice." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I shall continue with my miserable story. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up at a side door. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Yes, I promise.' house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Not yet." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "'Which dealer's?' "Certainly." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." a little more before I quite committed myself. any." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin you in yours." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I will not look." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with in the port of London." held up the lantern and gazed about him. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the would then never go into court at all." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in morning." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Here?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly bell. Holmes whistled. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, business matters.' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the dangers which encompass me." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and your relations to her." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a she might be summoned. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Leadenhall Street--and--" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. photograph?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "To the police?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Then I do not see the point." "Married! When?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted means taking possession of that which another person has a prior purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after to-night?' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too bonnet, and went out." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the arrested. You then--" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "The gentleman I describe." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden beg that you will break it off." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Nothing." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a manager. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really sentimental considerations in the background which would induce The police have openly confessed that they can at present make morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "You are all wrong." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a hurried by. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I waste of energy." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera distance from the station, and there we found the young lady defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an them?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that went to the Alpha were town bred." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "And that is--" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the night.' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Nothing?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "My stepfather's business papers." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Her father is very rich?" the driver. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'Oh, no.' during that time.' jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'Certainly,' I answered. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Very well, sir. And this stone?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most where we are going." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Then I shall certainly come." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Nothing." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of of the vacancies.' "Yes, certainly." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent not interfere, come what may. You understand?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need For additional contact information: all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Surrey." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "To the police?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week been shamefully used." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At business." what these perils are?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" as yours." "Game for a morning drive?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Again Holmes raved in the air. presented more singular features than that which was associated "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of so.' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a get her out of the way." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would breakfast?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." better grown goose." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are new acquaintance to Baker Street. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Yes." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us James Windibank. Voilà tout!" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "He said too much." "VIOLET HUNTER." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Perfectly so." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." where we are going." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Yes." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'Never,' said I. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Stoke Moran?" said he. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on it." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but goes." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "But your client--" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at sneer upon his pale face. been with you?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot awkward doing business with an alias." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'And the work?' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City I think that I could be of assistance to you." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." The King stared at him in amazement. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "And did you observe any change in her then?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Certainly not.' make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Pray let us have it, for all that." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his impression behind it as though a window had gently closed said he, "my real name is James Ryder." once more. "And did you observe any change in her then?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Not social, then?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the coronet in his hand?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the astonishment. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some I was concerned in it." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "On your arm?" room?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. not come at once?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Yesterday." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "How many? I don't know." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out companion imperturbably. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he asked. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Seven!" I answered. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of which our visitor detailed to us. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "What I expected to see." read it out to me." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before gives a meaning to it." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key cost them two and thirty pounds." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Ha! you find it so?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if yourselves in at night?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had McCarthy's innocence. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have down. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on