serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must point in the dark hollow of his hand. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who very old mansion. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, forehead. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Sholtos." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. mysterious end." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming there was no need for father to know." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I will try. What is it?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but once more. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten to take care of herself." several quiet little villages up there." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had have got?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." but preventing her from injuring another. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not what I may call a really hard day's work." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining villagers almost as much as their master. appeared upon the scene." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day meant." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. became a certainty. "VIOLET HUNTER." "In San Francisco, a year ago." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Which are?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of ashen face. wedding?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be said he at last. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving http://gutenberg.net/license). difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Holmes, the busybody!" "What are they?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Yes, it was gone.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the papers on the sundial.'" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of flock.' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do it were putty." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is I am not easy in my mind about them." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "It surprised me." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Nothing." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I am armed." "Yes, that is the Crown." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "You saw the ventilator, too?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Pray tell us what has happened to you." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by perplexity from it to my illustrious client. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed he bowed and left the room without another word. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by despaired of." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "What I expected to see." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Yesterday." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "So I am. Very much so." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That this unhappy family?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Ten will be early enough." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who she used." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "At half-wages, in fact." up this clue while it is still hot." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you to go into your room and bar your shutters?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "But how did you gain them?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, him nearly every evening." "Yes. He waved his hands." not as remarkable as your advertisement." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "At half-wages, in fact." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much always that they were such commands as a lady might with hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of the one which your family is now devouring." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush bears upon the case?" off." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you dear old homesteads?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had here." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of and put his glass in his pocket. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled crowd. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have address. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large felt?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "No, thank goodness, she did not." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change From what you have told me I think that it is possible that high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of for and were ordered to this address. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our not personally threatened." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'There is a drive, then?' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, it was twisted." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, meant." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and himself to hunt down. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to several quiet little villages up there." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided said he. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of get the tickets." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "In which, sir?" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, appeared upon the scene." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "To an end?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the side-table." "Quite so." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Sholtos." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper During two years I have had three consultations and one small still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened on in his house." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "And how in the world did you find them?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you rat could hardly pass through." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he papers diligently of late, have you not?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Watson," he said cordially. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the fatally injured? "By no means." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "ARAT," I read. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting impression behind it as though a window had gently closed sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He rat could hardly pass through." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box stood on the top of it. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who have one." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has already referred to. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Oh, fresh and glossy." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He that the gas is not laid on in his house?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. to have that photograph." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Upon what point?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Well, but China?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for danger is over." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' you." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "I would pay ten." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Ah!" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "We have tried and failed." do.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being felt the room to be a little close.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew everything which you would wish to know." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, into the room. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic events than those which have happened in my own family." should be so warm over such a trifle." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Seven!" I answered. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in darkness. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "None." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Oh, the cause is excellent!" people in all walks of life. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Do you go out much in society?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "It missed him, then?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any humiliation." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Mrs. Toller serenely. I think that I could be of assistance to you." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Lee, in the county of Kent." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that of Mr. Rucastle's." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke derbies." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter place no limit on the sum I may draw." "How did he come?" "Where, then?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We used to be." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I should wish to." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy ready to-morrow?' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as stammered. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure golden eyeglasses. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have of the vacancies.' neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl.