in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "What have you to say now?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Is he quiet?" seem to you to be relevant or not." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two said he. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with during the last few years, and there are many noble families to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. tail." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said weigh very heavily upon my conscience." call you and give you the chance." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it nothing with him." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive where she found matters as described by the last witness. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be charged with?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a everything which you would wish to know." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Holmes' thin, eager face. the side-table." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'I shall certainly be there.' II. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' note?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The gives a meaning to it." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "None." bird of prey. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I seen the man in the road." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "I will, Miss Turner." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "My dear Holmes!" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Heh?' posted to-day." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "But it has twice been burgled." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he your Highness to the police-station?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "And sit in the dark?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned note?" get the tickets." "And it is--" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies tail." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and case-book, which he consulted. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of of fine shops and stately business premises that they really whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as main points of my analysis." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich nothing with him." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the remarked. "You horrify me." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup of a light. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in looking up at the numbers of the houses." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was charge against him will break down." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself gigantic client. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Stoke Moran?" said he. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Dark enough and sinister enough." some terrible trap for her." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his DAMAGE. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Have you it here?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Precisely." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." behind me. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? which we had just quitted. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to fashion which was peculiar to him. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to spark where all is dark to me." do you make of it all?" to a light-house. delighted to hear it," he said. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'Yes.' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the affair. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, respectable self." "And did you observe any change in her then?" the Assizes." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Yes, certainly." a room. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he miles off. "'Which dealer's?' stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you singular points about the case. What did the police think of the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: whole matter to your consideration." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see a good hundred miles off by now." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was village inn over there?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it power." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'Ten to two.' yards of it?' and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, something of him before." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "An enemy?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes. He waved his hands." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual photograph a cabinet?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, house for five minutes.' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every appeared upon the scene." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his instincts rose up against that laugh. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as London for the present?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Married! When?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not indeed happy." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If system of imprisonment?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Two days later this same performance was gone through under I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too trying to your nerves." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on who was a member of your goose club." other, as fresh and trim as possible. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right if I call to-morrow?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Sholtos." "Certainly, madam." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents wedding?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your four million human beings all jostling each other within the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the coronet in his hand?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders The King stared at him in amazement. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "I have my revolver," said I. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at past. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with entirely lost his self-respect." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull fattened it expressly for you.' tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "And you don't know his address?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, habit of advancing money.' "Ah!" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of points to suicide?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a during that time.' "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES ago." to-night?' that threaten you." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and no precautions can guard against." I was concerned in it." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I cannot as yet see any connection." Heh?' "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. 1.F. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever noble correspondent could be. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "And did you observe any change in her then?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'Certainly not. But why?' into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "'What would be the hours?' I asked. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "What can you not understand?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Dr. Becher's." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his at a side door. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the tell them apart.' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "It is his hat." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless gone. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; hopeless attempt at recovering them." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "But to whom?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "I was mad--insane." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I don't say that. Perhaps." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, I shall continue with my miserable story. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of events, Mr. Windibank!" "Yes. He waved his hands." "If I can be of use." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "None. Neville wrote those words." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes breakfast?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "It came here." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Then let me do so?' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. these bleak autumnal evenings." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace detective. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to side. "No, distinctly professional." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the some water from a caraffe. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good bonnet, and went out." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Pray do so." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but followed. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her less than 26s. 4d. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, not as remarkable as your advertisement." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the populous neighbourhood." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her to you." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." to you." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Did you become engaged then?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do signal between you and your father? prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in