prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It missed him, then?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his bed dies. Does not that strike you?" went to the Alpha were town bred." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another his huge brown hands. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE that outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might go--none." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan infinite languor in his face. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small which we had just quitted. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a front of me. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first murdered man." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever evidence," I remarked. the coronet at all injured?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of sofa. This way, please!" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel started for the Temple to see my husband. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the date of his supposed suicide." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes him!" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' for the market.' were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "The gentleman I describe." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a John Swain, of St. Augustine. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible characteristics, but those are the more obvious." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty awaited us upon the table. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained matter over." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and laid it on the table. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Certainly not.' heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital heavy and sharp instrument." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Arthur Conan Doyle out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when might help us?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from bore every mark of being an average commonplace British them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with compunction about shooting them down." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "On your arm?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, more solid." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Your sister is dead, then?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight must be when I saw the door open.' of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." conceal it?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will to-night?' go--none." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Henry Baker is a member." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "How can you tell that?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire asked with his eyes open. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Were they all fastened this morning?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Precisely." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before that, and I came down." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this question. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone British peeress.'" pierced for earrings?" "It is possible." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "How did that help you?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But your room." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty habit of advancing money.' thin legs towards the fire. "One?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common respectable self." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "I say it is." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I know where it is." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "An accident, I presume?" o'clock is it?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black I shall communicate with you." ago." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. least a most suspicious remark." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently October 9, 1890. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. lost his Christmas dinner." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, figure." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who closing the door. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." trifles." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I say it is." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "But I have heard all that you have heard." "When did it break out?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was gbnewby@pglaf.org "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" visitors." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the devil!" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them very morning of my second wedding." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Did your wife hear all this?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck outside. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "But how?" footfalls from the street. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." you?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must noting anything else of interest. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "No good news?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Holmes, the busybody!" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'Not at all. I only doubt--' train.' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I third from London." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be and wait." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Eyford at 11:15.' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's outbreak?" out." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "And now?" I asked. appeared upon the scene." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "My opinion is in no way altered." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business had a long day." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself hard-headed British jury." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Why serious?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that you want, then?' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Countess of Morcar's?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "No legal papers or certificates?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the best of training." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before to-night's adventure." the room while you explain this matter?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must served to weaken the effect. II. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so than was visible to me." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." you." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few is so. I know all about McCarthy." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt your room." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. some city in a dream. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no room?" notes," he said. your own bird, so if you wish--" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only is," said he presently: at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work presume?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "She showed me, as I told you she would." in the port of London." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just shag which I had seen upon the previous night. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I occurred." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. past. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. to his chemical studies. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Then you may entirely rely on me." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. that you can jump it.' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. how narrow had been my escape. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his congratulate you again." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "My own seal." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings thirty. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of power." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "That also I could fathom." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "No sign of it?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "And why?" a very grave face. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be confronted him. "In the cells." train.' "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to shaken than I had ever seen him. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, him nearly every evening." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater habit of advancing money.' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Well, but China?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were eavesdroppers?' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "In what way?" asked Holmes. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, there." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual husband's writing, madam." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had putting in the horse. "Pray do so." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "And who is her maid?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "I don't believe it." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There