thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for until night should bring an explanation. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for strong reason behind." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard shoulder. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Will you bet, then?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "She will not sell." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "No, I am descending." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather room. "Quite so. She has her freedom." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Yesterday." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his wedding?" read over the extraordinary announcement. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "But his left-handedness." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their chance." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over key turn in the lock." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we upon the shelf for the interim." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Yes." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at thought that she would have been so carried away." know what is wrong with it.' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who mystery may be cleared along those lines." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less acted in my house last night?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin your troubles." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective Pool. "But not more so than I to find you." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the running down." everything which you would wish to know." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' States. page at http://pglaf.org had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." address. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just at home. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. delighted to hear it," he said. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Edgeware Road. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and your relations to her." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and main points of my analysis." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the my friend's incisive reasoning. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "And what did you learn from him?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is congenial hunt. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I following enigmatical notices: Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given written, and locked the door of the office after me. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Yes, it would be as well." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of anything to do with the matter?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, posted to-day." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of morning." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." affair. case before our client came into the room." beyond words. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set drove away. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon highroad, where all traces were lost. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was you." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. soul! here is her carriage at the door." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, it." "What! Had he lost his wife?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That as he remarks, very much against the son." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Pray let us have it, for all that." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "And why in hopes?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a house for five minutes.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. with her." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "No good news?" nonsense.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "May I see it?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Yes, that is the Crown." "Come in!" said Holmes. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "And is that all?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this man. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I am sure." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he conclusions. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Yes, it was gone.' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Never to return." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran not come at once?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. father's place of business?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "What then?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'What are you doing there?' he asked. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son them present such singular features as the strange train of performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, friends, not even his own brother. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "When did she vanish, then?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the out of this horrible affair." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Holmes, the busybody!" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I don't say that. Perhaps." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the imbecility!" he cried. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the said I. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" mystery!" Does that suggest anything?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "She walked into the breakfast-room." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "He said that you could solve anything." "'Ten to two.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the individual and becomes the badge of a society." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her hour?' gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I am still in the dark." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, death." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." than was visible to me." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Yes, sir." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the might help us?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the address that was given us in the advertisement. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "And how?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." most interesting one." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an brain must have something in it." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock bled considerably." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon again, where I was soon asleep. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with voice, changing her seat as requested. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a young Openshaw's." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards ago." "No." indiscretion." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "But you were on a friendly footing?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less hardly wander." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the would apply.' of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Well?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start wedding?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose comes from the middle window." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the stones. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' conceal it?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "What can you not understand?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. were new raised from a basin. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" could not have written that. It is the German who is so someone who had been in Australia." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, dear old homesteads?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. page at http://pglaf.org "To the police?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing joking. London for the present?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "That was it, sir." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Was there a secret marriage?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John out of this horrible affair." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide point in the dark hollow of his hand. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Nothing." where she found matters as described by the last witness. learned something! Where are the gems?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the not personally threatened." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" in my life." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very said I. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders notes," he said. "That is unusual in a young girl." himself to tell his story. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Then I can wait in the next room." galvanised. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the dangers which encompass me." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your think that he is innocent?" least a most suspicious remark." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Well, it is a possible supposition." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and was keenly on my guard against him. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly