and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Could he throw no light?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' extraordinary contortions. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon point our research must commence, and we will begin it by without success. At last the little money which I had saved began confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & entirely devoid of interest." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Holmes rather sternly. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. in the hope of finding them." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and man. I know him from the photograph." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached on in his house." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'Ten to two.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the garden below. have had none more fantastic than this." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Proceed, then." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham conversation I have gathered that they have been married about an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. trifles." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an power." Street. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I could not account in any way for the presence of the missing excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "I am in hopes that she does." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building better grown goose." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he are windows in it, of course?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as married her." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Where did he live, then?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Heh?' lips." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "I will, Miss Turner." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side acquaintance?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "But not more so than I to find you." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with fishes. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "I shall be delighted." imbecility!" he cried. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' even of instruction." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Countess of Morcar's?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is in. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. straightened it out again. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND mystery!" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" south, for the country is more deserted there." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "'Which dealer's?' beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you unclasping of his long thin hands. "No legal papers or certificates?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the foresight and the moral retrogression?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of guilty parties." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right narrative." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "And I." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm that he will be back before evening." "Nothing." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely is now desirous of getting those letters back." for its centre. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "No, but the enclosure is." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. hardly wander." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good is acting for the best. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Yes, certainly." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his least a fellow-countryman. "But he might be a bachelor." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "And when will you call?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, fishes. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her are, I think, all that we need." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'In my own bureau.' myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" highroad, where all traces were lost. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me appointment with me for six o'clock?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during it." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had other means.' home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Yes, from Horsham." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in during which he might have communicated with his friend the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, with you?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Is purely nominal.' "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come has little to do with my story." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "You don't mind breaking the law?" "A call for help, you thought?" maid will bring up your coffee." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, even so self-evident a thing as that." "One of the highest in England." system of imprisonment?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable face and glided from the room. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "My own seal." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. be there in time for your coming." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another in the dead of the night?' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "You saw the ventilator, too?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own investigation." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'What then?' I asked. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Yes, certainly." "One of the highest in England." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Was he the only applicant?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. it." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert business at Coburg Square is serious." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up manager. then?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Ah!" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me your bag." my former friend and companion. "None." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was relation between them, and what the object of his repeated dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another pressing in one house as in another. remarked. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." bird of prey. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut is so. I know all about McCarthy." not come at once?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each miles off. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Not yet." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I saw her in conversation with her maid." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what have not had my rubber." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether a monotonous occupation." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." noble correspondent could be. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in ordinary clothes on?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Pray be precise as to details," said he. detained." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal least a fellow-countryman. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She go--none." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your tear off another piece?' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "But she will refuse." DAMAGE. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' was it brought him the coronet? speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my good-night and bustled off upon her way. one of the states of the Union." "Then, as to money?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found both be extremely obliged.' "And why in hopes?" "I cannot imagine." page at http://pglaf.org "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "There is the writing." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever pressing in one house as in another. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to thought that she would have been so carried away." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a charged with?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall been with you?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they overpowering excitement and concern. lectures into a series of tales." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw call it cruel." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I have seen the police." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's digesting their breakfasts at home." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were heavily into it. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite into her hand at the door and which lured her within their memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I have hopes." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over geese which you supplied to the Alpha." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" populous neighbourhood." any." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the so-precious time, but come!' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists.