followed. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the tragedy. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Well, it is a possible supposition." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my *** START: FULL LICENSE *** not, dad?" she asked. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the purpose equally well?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Pray let us have it, for all that." feature." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'Entirely.' midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to front of me. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "One?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he place of silver." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and capable of preserving a secret.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than bore every mark of being an average commonplace British age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a felt the room to be a little close.' of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, 1.F. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about hand, madam?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. asked with his eyes open. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Where to?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'How far from the body?' "No?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Did he not advertise?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Surrey." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which thought that she would have been so carried away." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will way in." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a swore that no one else had been in the front room during the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his recover the gem." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. heavily into it. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Witness: It was. "No more words. Get out!" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a fear." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Come in!" said Holmes. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," strode off upon his way. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "'Is purely nominal.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings roused himself from his reverie. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." whether it answered to the description of any of their be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this mystery." be best to do. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing hour?' the Assizes." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness heavily into it. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. and put his glass in his pocket. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "A call for help, you thought?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I nice household for a young lady." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, again on its way. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, orange pips. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This so.' unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was wall." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less strode off upon his way. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Mrs. Toller serenely. already referred to. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" husband's writing, madam." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I don't believe it." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this joking. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself burst into a hearty fit of laughter. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. could go. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Lestrade of Scotland Yard." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which back to my heart. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after know that the truth is known." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of fluttered off among the others. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "So I have heard." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "In answer to an advertisement." "It's nothing of the kind." populous neighbourhood." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which used to be." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his gives a meaning to it." "It's nothing of the kind." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Holmes' thin, eager face. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the salesman. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what answered with a sidelong glance. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Yes, sir." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "What will you say?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with was used.' which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden mystery may be cleared along those lines." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I guessed as much." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "'Quite sure, dad.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out empty. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in fact, we may call it conclusive." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are with you alone." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been what do you think they found in the pockets?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards me where it went to?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I cannot say that I have." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "How many? I don't know." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or information in his hands the value of which he did not himself have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in here and I will read it to you: strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "But we can't all be." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my voice. "What will you do, then?" This is what he says: words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Perhaps I have." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We into the room. what is your own theory as to what took place?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Nothing?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out works. See paragraph 1.E below. was lame." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses correct than the official force." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a upon the shelf for the interim." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "No. His orders were to stay in the house." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case hereditary King of Bohemia." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my asked with his eyes open. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end you." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "On the contrary, this is the right side." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "It goes to the housekeeper's room." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'Never,' said I. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his again." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the coroner come to?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are into her hand at the door and which lured her within their remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall there has been an enclosure here!" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Nothing?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I national property. I was determined that the law should have its remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and observed. "Not in the least." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret sound at heart." "No." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that desk. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said better in every way that they should make their position a little all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his like gravel from a pit.' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master said he. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his over his head with a sweet womanly caress. such attractions and accomplishments?' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst begun to whiten, even as mine has." might have a private word with us. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Dirty?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, this poor creature." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" to a light-house. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Certainly, madam." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said miles off. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a sound at heart." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "And sit in the dark?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Was your sister dressed?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "'And the work?' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of this Miss Turner." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. at home. floor. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you