myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "From his hat?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman gone before you can get him to hospital." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the stable lane now." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious in. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "'Certainly not. But why?' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been or other trace. But how on earth--" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs main points of my analysis." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, you in yours." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your woven round him. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "How did he come?" introspective fashion. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet used to be." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "You heard nothing yourself last night?" face and glided from the room. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I warn you that they are very incomplete." events than those which have happened in my own family." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a your billet.' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." room?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was vague figure huddled up in the darkness. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and a good hundred miles off by now." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which cigars in the box." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I was mad--insane." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My past. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal voice, changing her seat as requested. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and that you can jump it.' the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the delighted to hear it," he said. point in the dark hollow of his hand. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Edgeware Road. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is business?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses recover the gem." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the events than those which have happened in my own family." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an License. You must require such a user to return or "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Why serious?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." money should be paid at once.' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Of what?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Bought." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, locked." me upon any point which I do not make clear." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. hurried by. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, been able to understand it, in a very few words. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "You are hungry," I remarked. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the of the vacancies.' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the King without delay." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to how narrow had been my escape. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich constraint." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the matter?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the voice. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Well, it is a possible supposition." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had morning." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE national property. I was determined that the law should have its address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "No, but the enclosure is." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The outside. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, conclusions. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Yes." fluttered off among the others. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Nothing?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Well?" your own bird, so if you wish--" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort do.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by now. It seems that there had been some informality about their burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which and it need not interfere very much with one's other impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Yesterday." depend upon your compliance." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know note?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was But Holmes shook his head gravely. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was back to my heart. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found of the vacancies.' always that they were such commands as a lady might with sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as been able to understand it, in a very few words. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Street. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "I am still in the dark." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Only as much as we can deduce." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this I shall continue with my miserable story. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "You forget that I know nothing about it." know all about it," he snarled. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided gives a meaning to it." "'Very good.' Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Ha! you find it so?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this not use it unless it is absolutely needed." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "What then?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my always that they were such commands as a lady might with the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "And leave your case unfinished?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "You are certainly joking, Holmes." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "And sit in the dark?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my do.' closely." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to one else, I think." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew sit on the left-hand side of the driver." indiscretion." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any me have 200 pounds?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action tail." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots what do you think they found in the pockets?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I remarked. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and whole matter to your consideration." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son was not a bird to be seen there. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty occurred." business?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Street. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "What will you do, then?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, were new raised from a basin. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as the Friday. Was it to be in church?" had this final quarrel? "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really yards of it?' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "What have you to say now?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I promise," said Holmes. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "It is half-past ten now." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as clanging. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who you do it in twenty minutes!' "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Project Gutenberg-tm works. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a morning." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the warnings." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own burst into a hearty fit of laughter. extraordinary contortions. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face not interfere, come what may. You understand?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Just look it up, then." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Pray continue your narrative." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these walking." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I fear not." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Have you her photograph?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'You cannot say what it was?' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. about here speaks of his kindness to him." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. of campaign. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "None." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "But how will you look?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "In San Francisco, a year ago." occupations.' quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front cause to be." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. until night should bring an explanation. "How many? I don't know." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your enough to aid us in our search." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "No." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most drove away. father's place of business?" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "But the mystery?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how back into the street. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Where does the thing come from?' I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "And for present expenses?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** forehead. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, what I may call a really hard day's work." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "There are none." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "And how have you succeeded?" to Leatherhead. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Dr. Gregory B. Newby fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood