"So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney charged with?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. you for a few hours?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fait accompli?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Where did he live, then?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Doctor, of the paper and the date." His smile broadened. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his disappearance of the bride.'" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are fuss that is made over them." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I think it very unlikely." open." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." arrested. You then--" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the made his money." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "'What do you call purely nominal?' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of bell. Holmes whistled. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the leave you to your papers for a little." "I cannot tell." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." excitement. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored to talk it over. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "By no means." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the inquest, and which are worth considering." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Arthur Conan Doyle Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Why? What do you mean?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical upon an income of about 60 pounds." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'Certainly not.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a room had already been engaged for us. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Thank you. Pray proceed." "I will do it." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the here." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I upon the white wrist. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "But what is it you wish?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Do you go out much in society?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "'Stolen!' he cried. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Countess of Morcar's?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt became a certainty. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "He might." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Pope's Court. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "What! a murderous attack?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and forebodings. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "No?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "We were both in the photograph." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'Why that?' I asks. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I should like to see him very much." jewels which you have stolen?' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "But his left-handedness." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to bare slabs of marble. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Pray do so." "Nothing?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Then, how do you know?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. him and tried to hold him back. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The enter into my head. you?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the would then never go into court at all." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project It may be so in this case, also." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I see many objections to any such theory." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and it need not interfere very much with one's other words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me system of imprisonment?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the must compliment you." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "No legal papers or certificates?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Not particularly." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "How do you know, then?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic you in yours." London for the present?" "Seven!" I answered. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is in this way: many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Dr. Becher's." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I cannot say that I have." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "That's no good." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "But you would not advise me to refuse?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your returned to France?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! I nodded again. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Very much so." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." my room." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated conceal it?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "What! You do not mean bodies?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House himself in a perplexing position. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'What do you call purely nominal?' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to 'please.'" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Absolutely?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an country, and eventually married, without anyone having a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her crowd. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "What office?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a guilty one." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a appeal." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and enter Dr. Roylott's room." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing that "Yes, he did." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased intimate personal affairs in this public manner." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His again before evening." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." have had none more fantastic than this." "I am still in the dark." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "And did you observe any change in her then?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "We were both in the photograph." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets quite distinctive." "I was mad--insane." "Certainly." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Absolutely?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began of the way of danger. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Will you bet, then?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It experiences." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." for securing the situation." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. hurried away. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Mrs. Toller serenely. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite success. maid will bring up your coffee." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or your room." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a most interesting one." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "'I am sure if I had known--' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Then I am your man." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "ARAT," I read. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" it." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'How far from the body?' should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which learned something! Where are the gems?" gives a meaning to it." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though business at Coburg Square is serious." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "And how in the world did you find them?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and copied or distributed: "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close mysterious end." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should learned something! Where are the gems?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the and the colonel ushered me in. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations photograph a cabinet?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock your bag." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. done what I asked you, Jones?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that he. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you this man was intellectual?"