in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER unprofitable." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, how narrow had been my escape. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case from the brougham. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal cigars in the box." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," up this clue while it is still hot." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City II. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically useful material for showing traces. The double line a little America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked gone. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch American. Then who could this American be, and why should he chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your happened." works. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "At the wedding breakfast." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. this man was intellectual?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "What then?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Then you may be so with me." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special purpose equally well?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "No. What a strange idea!" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had was lame." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly that I am arrested." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my of Mr. Rucastle's." horse could go." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Really! You surprise me." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the Assizes." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at events, Mr. Windibank!" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke you want, then?' "In which, sir?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as new acquaintance to Baker Street. Leadenhall Street--and--" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "But she will refuse." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had cause to be." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "A call for help, you thought?" the stable lane now." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'Why that?' I asks. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that newspaper selections." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so opened the door, and slipped through. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Can I be of assistance?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing particular state visit http://pglaf.org did not hear it also.' "Where, indeed?" bonnet, and went out." away to you." towards the blaze. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Nor running a chance of arrest?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "One horse?" interjected Holmes. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, friend's singular character. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "And why?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Certainly not.' a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Absolutely?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, desk. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found plantation.' I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "But of what society?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the south-west, I see." "Your presence might be invaluable." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have this Miss Turner." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made one's self under obligations.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers nonsense.' "Bought." "Deserted you?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Then what has happened to him?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to desk. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" to-night's adventure." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland vault. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and IS should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black rat could hardly pass through." out." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "And when will you call?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to him nearly every evening." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words presume?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'There is a drive, then?' my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both attention." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a overpowering excitement and concern. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good to talk it over. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. copied or distributed: He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been secret." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double woman who has had her own way to make in the world. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "I cannot tell." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Yes, he did." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of bird of prey. "I say that I have solved it." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE infinite languor in his face. "But she could not love him." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. papers on the sundial.'" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as skylight. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." companion. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "There are none." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take of the way of danger. three of the beryls in it, was missing. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary tension within him. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "9th. McCauley cleared. "At half-wages, in fact." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain prepare for the new role I have to play." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a everything which you would wish to know." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George or in danger--" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, carriage. It was a chestnut." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Well, some hundreds of times." fluttered off among the others. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, call for it in person on Monday morning.' jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" beyond words. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the coronet in his hand?" "'As governess?' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had away in different directions, and I went off to make my own may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be society." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I was mad--insane." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Precisely so. But how--" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. meanly of me." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Nothing." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and have this put in the evening papers." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he me have 200 pounds?' over part of the map. "What do you read?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Sutherland. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the the driver. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Pray do so." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's enter into my head. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Precisely." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "You are hungry," I remarked. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "You saw the ventilator, too?" gone. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in