"And it is--" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always weapon." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Witness: I must still refuse. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is towards the blaze. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to see a sister of mine apply for." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said papers." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of thirty. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, that he will be back before evening." "VIOLET HUNTER." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found opened a pocket-book and took out a note. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the dangers which encompass me." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, extraordinary contortions. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at my former friend and companion. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Clair, of Lee." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "What can you not understand?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and fat-encircled eyes. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white comes from the middle window." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." would apply.' from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Very. But will he see it?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both call the police, let the police find what they can.' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and at my remark. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm cup of tea. works. See paragraph 1.E below. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the photograph?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, she used." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their least a most suspicious remark." all?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that front of the hall door has given its name to the place. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "He is still with you, I presume?" there is a decided draught." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it him." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and until night should bring an explanation. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my was a loud and authoritative tap. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I ventilator." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his derbies." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Which are?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. must compliment you." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the more terrible than the truth. be there in time for your coming." "My Mary? Impossible!" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the hair?' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive was used.' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Absolutely none." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the success. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it absorbing." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. know that the truth is known." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "And I say east," said my patient. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "We have tried and failed." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "So I heard. You have him here?" again." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "What, then?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. my former friend and companion. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "But how will you look?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. forebodings. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "What office?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All so.' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been again before evening." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I power." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a advice." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," felt?" was lame." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" correct than the official force." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Ten will be early enough." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any to surprise her." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." writing, and yet I know it well." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, to talk it over. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended she to prove their authenticity?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I know what is wrong with it.' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "My opinion is in no way altered." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "But what will you do?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the iron safe, which he closed upon it. respectable self." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, that he has suffered." conduct the inquiry." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a here." "I will, Miss Turner." "Was your sister dressed?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, washing it down with a long draught of water. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, conceal it?" opportunities to fix the problem. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to into the bag, and made for the door. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "No, I think that I'll take it." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "You will not go there first?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they window when the police appeared." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "So it appears." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to weary and pale-looking. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "That is possible." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I say it is." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of I have it here in my museum." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that all?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my off." Pope's Court. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "But I am all in the dark." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main and the church but not where the lady lived." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that appointment with me for six o'clock?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of with her." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. I have it here in my museum." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the coronet at all injured?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." beg that you will break it off." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try and wait." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the roots. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may not personally threatened." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "No." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make The telegram which we eventually received came late one night mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "You are all wrong." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "None. Neville wrote those words." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "What can you not understand?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety it with his own hands." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "My private note-paper." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "How do you know, then?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works national property. I was determined that the law should have its it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just have had none more fantastic than this." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his himself. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it power." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" purpose of examination. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Which are?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Well, but China?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Where did he live, then?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I ill-usage at the hands of fortune. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Of what?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Heh?' my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of new acquaintance to Baker Street. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and answered with a sidelong glance. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the running down." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon redistribution. "Certainly." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I