making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "What! Had he lost his wife?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A companion quietly. The summons was a brief and urgent one. "None. Neville wrote those words." sufficient punishment." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Holmes. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'Stolen!' he cried. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A stepfather?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can http://gutenberg.net/license). Leadenhall Street--and--" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Quite so." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did forehead. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that he has suffered." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. question," said Holmes, smiling. this Miss Turner." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks strong and stiff." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might works. of your young ladies.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. noting anything else of interest. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation voice, changing her seat as requested. past. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then me. You must get home instantly and act." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by was lame." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "I think it very unlikely." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that salesman. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Game for a morning drive?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. a suggestive one." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as hair?' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens your bag." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was over his head with a sweet womanly caress. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Was there a secret marriage?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "It is a murder, then?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in all?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I shall be delighted." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the meant." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It is a murder, then?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning tightly behind him. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Did your wife hear all this?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I invisible to me," I remarked. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No The note was undated, and without either signature or address. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "We were both in the photograph." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was certainly not very gracious." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "We have tried and failed." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "What will you say?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring about. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if would then never go into court at all." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." formed some opinion?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I don't say that. Perhaps." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." thirty. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first mysterious business." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." that I may have something better before very many minutes are meanly of me." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the bird of prey. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I say that I have solved it." "By all means." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" furiously. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "A call for help, you thought?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'Yes, sir.' permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others your billet.' stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "To an end?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Very. But will he see it?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and conduct the inquiry." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began hour?' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I am about to be married." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Sholtos." security.' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Yes, sir." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which client, rising. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of answer." Lee, in the county of Kent." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would you in yours." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in was not a bird to be seen there. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such you." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly garden below. national property. I was determined that the law should have its submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of them has the shutters up.' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "What of the rat, then?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'I have already given you my word.' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to head. So long, then!" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the address that was given us in the advertisement. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from are windows in it, of course?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "What will you do, then?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. and all of them with the keenest interest. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly cigars in their mouths. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. pressing in one house as in another. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates wanted for ourselves." waste of energy." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman investigation." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I will, Miss Turner." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the roots. will be renamed. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I have a cab outside." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "And now?" He raised his hand. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper down from London to inquire more deeply into it." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been whole matter to your consideration." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Perhaps we may make them less so." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another will he say when he returns?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I delighted to hear it," he said. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "It certainly sounds feasible." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in so far?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was I have it here in my museum." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." read it out to me." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a papers must be those that are destroyed.' satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I am all attention, madam." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "This photograph!" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." guilty parties." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and so.' headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly is," said he presently: you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from retorted upon me, and I on you." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "How do you know, then?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "The Cedars?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. matter." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you examine." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean you for a few hours?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what fattened it expressly for you.' my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become point our research must commence, and we will begin it by habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Count Von Kramm." and all of them with the keenest interest. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. me. You must get home instantly and act." wall." infinite languor in his face. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The returned to France?" have I gained?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The fashion which was peculiar to him. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the