and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." sound at heart." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this true." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "But what harm can there be in that?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'Never,' said I. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the bled considerably." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and families. Now for the facts. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her now. It seems that there had been some informality about their cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Why serious?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "The gentleman I describe." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are more terrible than the truth. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Yes." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'How far from the body?' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our at my own good fortune. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Quite so. She has her freedom." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. get the tickets." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "It is solved." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just been." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you enter Dr. Roylott's room." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect his grey eyes. "Yes." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'I have already given you my word.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive round and wave him away like that.' a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "No more words. Get out!" again on its way. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "One?" "I never have." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the our word." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "He is still with you, I presume?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen records." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed it were putty." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and your relations to her." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise face and glided from the room. what I may call a really hard day's work." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting carpenter." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I am all attention, madam." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the which are rolled in Rotterdam." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Lestrade of Scotland Yard." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "It is very clear." "Yes, but only for you and me." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Your presence might be invaluable." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? sit on the left-hand side of the driver." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very to that open window." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Were they all fastened this morning?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, be.' father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A orange pips. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Yes, it was twisted." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "My own seal." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "And you thought he was pulled back?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any drove away. Surrey." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "To ruin me." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." nothing of it?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'I have already given you my word.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Sholtos." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" at my own good fortune. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "What can you not understand?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would annoyance, but no jest. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other for its centre. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are drawing your inferences." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, papers diligently of late, have you not?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting photograph?" power." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made open." "And what then?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Yes, sir." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Yes, that is the Crown." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness think, you have already met." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Have you it here?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "It is possible." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "My Mary? Impossible!" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Where to?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It is half-past ten now." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, been shamefully used." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right His smile broadened. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he lamp. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered he bowed and left the room without another word. definite end. present." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the October 9, 1890. front of me. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are late!' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a head. So long, then!" anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Well." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment introspective fashion. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab to have that photograph." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the it with his own hands." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "The King of Scandinavia." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the matter?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman new acquaintance to Baker Street. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets mysterious end." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary young Openshaw's." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we thin legs towards the fire. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one directly by questioning you." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It must be recovered." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the beyond words. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "We have tried and failed." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a lumber-room." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in again before evening." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that fat-encircled eyes. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. against a man in the prime of life?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of despair." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "It is a murder, then?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." carriage. It was a chestnut." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "No?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. John Swain, of St. Augustine. I. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in help us in this matter." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "'And the work?' will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Certainly." the bed, and you in that chair." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, not within a twentieth part of the market price." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "He might." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," which our visitor detailed to us. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and to-night's adventure." obstinate." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and me have 200 pounds?' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "On Monday." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "What have you to say now?" "By train from Waterloo." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which and the church but not where the lady lived." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of campaign. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and suspect him." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not to-night's adventure." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not recover the gem." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "What! a murderous attack?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "But how?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a most interesting one." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his disturbance in my wife." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the from the brougham. views." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he from the brougham. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, you." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the one of them." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "He said too much." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not