your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I cannot tell." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local a little more before I quite committed myself. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the child." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Stoke Moran." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "So I am. Very much so." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a third from London." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which is acting for the best. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any said I. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. might help us?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which ourselves in the office." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." death." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy already been minutely examined." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then eavesdroppers?' the little opening for the ventilator is." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Why, it's a dummy," said he. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'Then let me do so?' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was of them has the shutters up.' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone against a man in the prime of life?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the writers could invent nothing more crude." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for if I call to-morrow?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable desk. of a light. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up asked. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He showing my impatience. "Then I do not see the point." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." see me here to avoid scandal." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its during the last few years, and there are many noble families to back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in States. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, man. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! public press." have been better. It is all right." galvanised. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. cigar and let me expound." acquaintance?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow simple cases which are so extremely difficult." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at he bowed and left the room without another word. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I was sure that I might rely on you." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Eyford." "Then you may be so with me." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her then?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from as yours." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." congratulate you again." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." be there in time for your coming." "The knees of his trousers." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "My last client of the sort was a king." developed." been deceived." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." over part of the map. "What do you read?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. opportunities to fix the problem. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'Most admirably.' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'Ten to two.' some place of shelter and let the county police know what has battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Absolutely none." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "And Miss Sutherland?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "What! a murderous attack?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of like that before?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I answered that I had not. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "No, finished." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Have you her photograph?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged jewels which you have stolen?' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "His face fell immediately. "I should wish to." McCarthy's innocence. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a was a loud and authoritative tap. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell towards the blaze. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was to miss it." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I held up the lantern and gazed about him. "How did you deduce the select?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "One?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never mystery!" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Where to?' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'Never.' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage have one." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you weapon." "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Not social, then?" "He is dead," cried several voices. him nearly every evening." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who signal between you and your father? "Then the page we have seen--" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what noble correspondent could be. "In answer to an advertisement." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "It's nothing of the kind." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager where she found matters as described by the last witness. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the address that was given us in the advertisement. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely tension within him. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' kindly on the shoulder. the morning and make my own way in the world.' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the inquest, and which are worth considering." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that o'clock is it?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Where, indeed?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' himself to tell his story. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches affection." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance strode off upon his way. mystery." your most interesting statement." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'Where to?' "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the Assizes." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not lamp. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. photograph a cabinet?" child?' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'What do you call purely nominal?' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "By no means." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no there." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Nothing." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet children over to America with him, so that I found myself without The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Edgeware Road. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Again Holmes raved in the air. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers have accepted such a situation. could go. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. is now desirous of getting those letters back." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the leaning back in his chair. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I cannot tell." Does that suggest anything?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "And why?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg better grown goose." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of points in connection with it which never have been, and probably completely overtopped every other consideration that we both lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend which I could not give. He asked for Alice. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by key of the affair now." "Yes." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his gbnewby@pglaf.org think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it jewels which you have stolen?' only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "What is it, then--a fire?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "But how did you gain them?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "You think that he is dead?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and that he would see to anything that turned up. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I your only hope of safety." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, looking up at the numbers of the houses." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away 'I should be able to look after that for you.' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.'