not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' and your relations to her." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I fear not." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which three fields round his house, and there he would take his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "And what then?" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. events than those which have happened in my own family." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Precisely so. But how--" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Frequently." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Who was the criminal, then?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "You are certainly joking, Holmes." spare." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my there were one or two details which were new to me. But the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the leaning back in his chair. "You have but to name it." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. wanted for ourselves." "She told me to ask you." this Miss Turner." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss cigars in the box." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an a suggestive one." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "The gentleman I describe." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" cheerful." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I out." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. when your master had gone out." peculiar to him. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," where we are going." "Precisely." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon everything which you would wish to know." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" room had already been engaged for us. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no later, upon the night of May 2nd." arrested. You then--" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that legal crime." "About a month then." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "And how have you succeeded?" chemical work which was so dear to him. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Game for a morning drive?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project late!' the window, rose as we entered. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until I leave." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I will, Miss Turner." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in there has been an enclosure here!" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, http://gutenberg.net/license). It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them questioning and rather startled gaze. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Not at all. I only doubt--' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that started for the Temple to see my husband. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt grasp, he hurried from the room. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "At half-wages, in fact." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in politicians who had been sent down from the North. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the my room." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "And why?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and page at http://pglaf.org "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 that before taking the final step I should like to submit the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes there!' decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "But of what society?" time." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no father's young wife. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Absolutely none." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "No more words. Get out!" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Very well, sir. And this stone?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear been able to understand it, in a very few words. "What have you to say now?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was bachelor.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing works. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view a little more before I quite committed myself. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "What! a murderous attack?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "What do you make of that, Watson?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Have you good authority for what you say?" "Never to return." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and night.' said he. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after gone. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "No." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, photograph?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents who was a member of your goose club." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I was mad--insane." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what never to learn it at all." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he could not have written that. It is the German who is so "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to trying to your nerves." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door telegram would bring me down to your help." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "What, then?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "No, my brougham is waiting." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has mystery." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "What then?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded children over to America with him, so that I found myself without you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be better grown goose." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking events than those which have happened in my own family." written, and locked the door of the office after me. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Pope's Court, Fleet Street." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "You horrify me!" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the may never be exposed to such a temptation." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion upon an income of about 60 pounds." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been confronted him. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying to arrive at through this?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend allusion to a rat. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'Yes, I promise.' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Where, then?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you one of the states of the Union." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "And who is her maid?" until night should bring an explanation. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of address. written, and locked the door of the office after me. spark where all is dark to me." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further coat-tails." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Chief Executive and Director blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business look dissatisfied." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Stolen." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "There is the writing." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an ordinary clothes on?" "How can you tell that?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been dates and names. learned something! Where are the gems?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, was used.' metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point we went to search for him, face downward in a little have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other other lovers by making love himself." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my plantation.' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Lee, in the county of Kent." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "What shall I do?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very address. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let unprofitable." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With success. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who into the bag, and made for the door. "Where, indeed?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "You did not overhear what they said?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector.