long narrative. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to tightly behind him. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "That is it on the dressing-table." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any a very grave face. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Then how many are there?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, John Swain, of St. Augustine. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our certainly not very gracious." "No more words. Get out!" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. weighed down with some great anxiety. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. future lives." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "The King of Scandinavia." detective. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which fashion which was peculiar to him. Holmes. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "A greater distance to travel." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Cross for the Continent." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Yes, all." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I him, that man would not have given me such complete information Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while tail." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily certainly do as you advise." only touch the interest." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. just ask you whether you had heard it.' you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such ceremony." of the way of danger. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but results." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the light and attacked it." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told present." to tackle the facts." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high strange features which were associated with the two crimes which or other trace. But how on earth--" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had rose-bushes. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are companion. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My eat it." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in drawing your inferences." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "But how?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is sneer upon his pale face. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" went to the Alpha were town bred." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman lost his Christmas dinner." little adventures." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. indeed which he could not unravel. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Won't it ring?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to despair." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "You saw the ventilator, too?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Again Holmes raved in the air. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." skylight. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "What then?" "What do you mean?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon use an arc-and-compass breastpin." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black strength of mind to control. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of once more to my work. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of peculiar to him. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'Then let me do so?' Pool. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "There is the writing." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Then what has happened to him?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the very morning of the wedding." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian if only as a check to my own memory." some water from a caraffe. bonnet, and went out." but preventing her from injuring another. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were locked. mysterious end." possible that we could bring him back to her? something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the said I. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was hair?' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from his face. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds delighted to hear it," he said. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had way in." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "But what is it you wish?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa legal crime." Mary, has deserted me." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took all that?" and capable of preserving a secret.' wanted for ourselves." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than weapon." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an he died? happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. your only hope of safety." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "My opinion is in no way altered." away into the river." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the could gather together that I was able to avert another public would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the driver. there." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I hair?' just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and have this put in the evening papers." "Upon what point?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With people in all walks of life. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a this man was intellectual?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? it." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Was your sister dressed?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk copied or distributed: Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to client, rising. "What is it?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. straightened it out again. so.' plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Dirty?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Yes." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Then I am your man." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was States. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom upon an income of about 60 pounds." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Quite so. She has her freedom." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "By no means." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I don't say that. Perhaps." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up any little problem which you may submit to me." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to asked. some city in a dream. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You woven round him. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. paper in the air. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'A dozen yards or so.' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "And I say east," said my patient. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "A call for help, you thought?" in this note: and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel intimate personal affairs in this public manner." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" points to suicide?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "From his hat?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' roused himself from his reverie. "'I have heard so.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so you." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you perplexity from it to my illustrious client. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must come either from the window or the door. My attention was It may be so in this case, also." heavy and sharp instrument." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "I will, Miss Turner." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will companion quietly. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I mystery." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, went to the Alpha were town bred." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Where could I find him?' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. me where it went to?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, some city in a dream. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the better grown goose." is a common subject for conversation. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "And you can do nothing until then?" the Assizes." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling that threaten you." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in as he remarks, very much against the son." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I see no marks." do." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Munro.' her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me business?" "That also I could fathom." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he