unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Yes." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "How often?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed gbnewby@pglaf.org lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I am to be neutral?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "And you thought he was pulled back?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you goes." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than correct than the official force." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Do you go out much in society?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into this remarkable episode. will he say when he returns?" in the port of London." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "But he might be a bachelor." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fait accompli?" status with the IRS. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical when your master had gone out." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, goes." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. certainly not very gracious." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. garden below. could go. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'Most admirably.' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version learned something! Where are the gems?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and made him keep the appointment." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business bedroom door." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I stepfather?" me have 200 pounds?' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and interested in these little problems, and since you are good merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the round with crates and massive boxes. Farm upon the left." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the ran thus: from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came ourselves in the office." brain must have something in it." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "And Irene Adler?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." morning." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "And why?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." over here." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I to miss it." himself to hunt down. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that I am arrested." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I was mad--insane." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "I will do it." friends, not even his own brother. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I will not look." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the Assizes." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Just look it up, then." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his means taking possession of that which another person has a prior spark where all is dark to me." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I shall be delighted." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the inquest, and which are worth considering." the warnings." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, During two years I have had three consultations and one small next day. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the daring than any effort of the imagination." "'Certainly not.' himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "I beg pardon." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you cigar and let me expound." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Dr. Gregory B. Newby grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel IS clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did appeal." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, I shall communicate with you." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Of what?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and out of this horrible affair." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I shall be delighted." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Mrs. Toller serenely. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven corner of the building. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. to affect your life." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out speckled band?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'Which dealer's?' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the nursery. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "He is still with you, I presume?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'Entirely.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the time." investigation." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "The decline of his fortunes, then?" forehead. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." said I. chance at all." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is breakfast?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have handed it to him. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "I think that it is very probable." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. have been better. It is all right." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed skylight. that I may have something better before very many minutes are 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Then he might have called to you?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Yes." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the charged with?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it it with his own hands." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we presented more singular features than that which was associated which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "My dear Holmes!" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. there in twenty minutes." The events in question occurred in the early days of my night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the coroner come to?" "Yes, I have one waiting." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked information in his hands the value of which he did not himself many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "But I have heard all that you have heard." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "It is a murder, then?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I union?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar matter." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On notes," he said. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and main points of my analysis." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." never to learn it at all." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Eyford at 11:15.' "Have you her photograph?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "And you don't know his address?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Murdered?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your you found me to-night--and running through the front room she and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The to you." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt such attractions and accomplishments?' means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for awaited us upon the table. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret salesman. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Perhaps I have." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it that threaten you." heavily into it. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Certainly." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she when your master had gone out." strength in the others." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, within hail.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "No." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Have you her photograph?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "That is unusual in a young girl." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Your presence might be invaluable." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom I shall continue with my miserable story. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "No good news?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "But she could not love him." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Did your wife hear all this?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally until night should bring an explanation. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "BALLARAT." noting anything else of interest. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "I cannot as yet see any connection." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "No, but the enclosure is." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one waste of energy." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "What! You do not mean bodies?" drawing your inferences." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have