heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing your bag." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the weary and pale-looking. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Perhaps we may make them less so." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "It is a murder, then?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she at home. started for the Temple to see my husband. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon politicians who had been sent down from the North. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. were unconscious?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "'Then let me do so?' drawing your inferences." keep the flames under. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From morning." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I see many objections to any such theory." what these perils are?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it that there was nothing in it, after all." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. this remarkable episode. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting cause to be." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Yes, only one." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his wall." "It looks newer than the other things?" must compliment you." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed leaning back in his chair. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I III. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not girl said." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to as this. Pray let me have the details." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Awake, Watson?" he asked. not, dad?" she asked. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no this as likely?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "But the mystery?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. just ask you whether you had heard it.' "On Monday." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Not in a good cause." and I shall be with you presently." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy his huge brown hands. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I know where it is." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with From what you have told me I think that it is possible that spark where all is dark to me." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "And it is--" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the approach us with offers to donate. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way will he say when he returns?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and you found me to-night--and running through the front room she firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND daring than any effort of the imagination." cheerful." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have despair." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the lost nothing by them." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Street. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I have seen the police." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all approach us with offers to donate. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "They are typewritten," I remarked. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working straighten it?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place from you?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and weapon." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "It came here." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Never to return." "Eh? What was that?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third skylight. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Who was the criminal, then?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Very. But will he see it?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: outside. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Mary, has deserted me." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was hair?' "And your father? Did you tell him?" for its centre. "'Stolen!' he cried. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Certainly." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "One?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "The landlord of the Alpha." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Not yet." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'Why that?' I asks. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the it with his own hands." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Yes, they were peculiar boots." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the begun to whiten, even as mine has." returned to France?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you against a man in the prime of life?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "My photograph." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Clair, of Lee." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Ah!" way in." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." this poor creature." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, your room." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Witness: I must still refuse. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to then?" "I am following you closely," I answered. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or cheerful." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Not social, then?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look definite end. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with and inquire as to the address." six. Come in!" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm late!' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. clang of the bell. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is becomes even more simple." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every were wasted." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried again before evening." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Holmes." joking. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "What are they?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to heavy and sharp instrument." "Here?" and glanced through. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to his chemical studies. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I instincts rose up against that laugh. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "My private note-paper." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, ceremony." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "None. Neville wrote those words." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a The police have openly confessed that they can at present make over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Always." disappearance of these gems?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "It is half-past ten now." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Has he come with you to-night?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he respectable self." "It is very clear." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge here and I will read it to you: fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." indeed which he could not unravel. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "In which, sir?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to to surprise her." asked. "I was afraid that you were engaged." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Then you may entirely rely on me." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told certainly do as you advise." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; tied." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the salesman. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger a room. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of developed." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out of it with the greatest attention. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions whatever might befall. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to observed. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his from the brougham. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily weary and pale-looking. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. me what he had done with the three missing stones. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she remarked. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Who by?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out your co-operation." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door has little to do with my story." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Certainly." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He bearing upon the case." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was closely." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Was your sister dressed?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Entirely.' danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom