cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be conclusions. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his than was visible to me." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger directors have had misgivings upon the subject." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "On your arm?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head presume?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "The vanishing of the lady." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained business at Coburg Square is serious." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even strong reason behind." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is again." "Yes, at the mines." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the touch that coronet?' suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at detained." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "You are all wrong." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Street. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'Ten to two.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, hopeless attempt at recovering them." "He might." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and for securing the situation." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the armchair which I pushed forward for him. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set system of imprisonment?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a towards the blaze. "I see many objections to any such theory." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "No, I think that I'll take it." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as gone. corner of the building. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion tear off another piece?' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You bears upon the case?" "'Yes, it was gone.' And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? heavy and sharp instrument." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That tell them apart.' pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" bears upon the case?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., was keenly on my guard against him. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Yes." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard get the tickets." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose and no precautions can guard against." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted voice. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these face and glided from the room. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Yes, certainly." train.' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit that I can to serve you." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. as noiselessly as she had come. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "You'll never persuade me to believe that." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." gbnewby@pglaf.org "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Is he quiet?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "The gentleman I describe." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "We were both in the photograph." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she became a certainty. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to of Mr. Rucastle's." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Have you good authority for what you say?" "What do you mean?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling he bowed and left the room without another word. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Two days later this same performance was gone through under was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor when your master had gone out." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "So I am. Very much so." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of This is what he says: "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "In heaven's name, what for?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken subject to the trademark license, especially commercial It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I assure you that I am in your hands." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "My dear Holmes!" back to my heart. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Heh?' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the stones. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there comes from the middle window." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and she used." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES in the hope of finding them." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average yards of it?' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something to his chemical studies. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And what did you see?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards envelope. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Holmes." the general public were present, then?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Here?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "No." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us details." may have an influence upon European history." exactly what you advise." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." visitors." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "You think that he is dead?" been shamefully used." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "The landlord of the Alpha." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a shall not find me ungrateful." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "A confidential servant?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It test if we have an answer to our advertisement." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and which was all perfectly true. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Eyford." "Dirty?" "The Cedars?" "What, then?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'About the same.' dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Who by?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Seven!" I answered. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Where, then?" nonsense.' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are this truth that in these little records of our cases which you sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a gbnewby@pglaf.org me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind of the way of danger. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend hard-headed British jury." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat had picked up in the wood. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a whole matter to your consideration." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and inquire as to the address." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he to tackle the facts." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a maid will bring up your coffee." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' in this way: "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his in the hope of finding them." go back?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and everything which you would wish to know." "Yes." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar I shall continue with my miserable story. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." unprecedented a position." "Yes." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "It is his hat." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "And how have you succeeded?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, room. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. flock.' undoubtedly my uncle's." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "You have compromised yourself seriously." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." little adventures." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had might help us?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted into the room. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Where, then?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's weigh very heavily upon my conscience." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace upon a handsome competence. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. prisoner's face. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE London for the present?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Lestrade of Scotland Yard." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the bedroom door." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading yet." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by had this final quarrel? from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." certainly not very gracious." was not a bird to be seen there. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then window when the police appeared." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while noise which awoke you from your sleep?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to