speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Holmes' face clouded over. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "What is it, then--a fire?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself when you have done it." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I am all attention, madam." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Leadenhall Street--and--" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "You are all wrong." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" rose-bushes. that you can jump it.' of campaign. 'please.'" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat would apply.' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of wanted for ourselves." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the general public were present, then?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar had picked up in the wood. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent both be extremely obliged.' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Imitated." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Certainly not. But why?' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, were new raised from a basin. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to vault. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will awkward doing business with an alias." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the breakfast." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I came to find a friend." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Then what has happened to him?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the again, where I was soon asleep. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window examine." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my both be extremely obliged.' scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away where we are going." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a your only hope of safety." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, man. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'You cannot say what it was?' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" floor. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in depend upon your compliance." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and such attractions and accomplishments?' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him all?" coat-tails." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at indiscretion." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. seven miles from Eyford Station.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks from the brougham. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers some mystery and the punishment of some crime." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, answered with a sidelong glance. "Yes." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I think that it is very probable." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Ten will be early enough." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and inquire as to the address." "Why did you beat the pavement?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what lamp. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in License. You must require such a user to return or them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us the child." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I don't say that. Perhaps." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" crime." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and keep the flames under. should be taken.' "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his wife has ceased to love him." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "How did you trace it, then?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I that threaten you." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Then what has happened to him?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the stable lane now." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco to me. was shining brightly. page at http://pglaf.org him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and your relations to her." visitors." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I should like to see him very much." several quiet little villages up there." in this note: for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was he died? we went to search for him, face downward in a little and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure status with the IRS. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "And I." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the direction." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, client, rising. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to acted in my house last night?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our that there was nothing in it, after all." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "He said that you could solve anything." here and I will read it to you: however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "You are all wrong." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more is four-and-twenty." "Deserted you?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of the side-table." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger I shall communicate with you." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more subject to the trademark license, especially commercial into the bag, and made for the door. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in own family. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an fattened it expressly for you.' go from here to the Strand." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently you." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I shall continue with my miserable story. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Young McCarthy must be got off, however." What do you deduce from it?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "He slept on the premises." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "He said too much." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the success. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this prove to be little relation between the different incidents of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, already been minutely examined." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his call the police, let the police find what they can.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to becomes even more simple." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with is acting for the best. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the pictures, libraries, or plate. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you my secret was safe in his possession. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Why serious?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "And how did you verify them?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster individual and becomes the badge of a society." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress me. You must get home instantly and act." garden below. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. it." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback your room." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the driver. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "You horrify me." "Do you know him?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing vanished into the darkness. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one article?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Count Von Kramm." nonsense.' "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Watson," he said cordially. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you fashion which was peculiar to him. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "No, I think that I'll take it." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, child?' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." there." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? as yours." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, within hail.' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the bed, and you in that chair." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose happened." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "No." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "But what is it you wish?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I least a most suspicious remark." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "When did she vanish, then?" your co-operation." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you hereditary King of Bohemia." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'What would be the hours?' I asked. and looked back. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was man. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sooner or later she must fall a victim. "But you were on a friendly footing?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be which our visitor detailed to us. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain lids now and glanced across at his visitor. corner of the building. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of direction." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "No." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "9th. McCauley cleared. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "What will you say?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew details." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. putting in the horse. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as again before evening." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything