"Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and I shall be with you presently." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the union?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Holmes' thin, eager face. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an threw himself down with his face to the pillow. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me throat." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have served to weaken the effect. room. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Ten will be early enough." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative there!' the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far a very grave face. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones interested in these little problems, and since you are good which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal considering the formidable letters which were received by himself weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again himself to tell his story. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "No. His orders were to stay in the house." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. seen the man in the road." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "'A dozen yards or so.' "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there you want, then?' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable your most interesting statement." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the there!' three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be works. See paragraph 1.E below. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of kindly on the shoulder. your troubles." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'No, I know no one in these parts.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I came to find a friend." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you ventilator." where we are going." "Perhaps we may make them less so." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again that I am arrested." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' my secret was safe in his possession. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their hopeless attempt at recovering them." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I that he will be back before evening." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by despaired of." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "To an English lawyer named Norton." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Where is it, then?" gives a meaning to it." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no at once, for I have only half an hour." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them appointment with me for six o'clock?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your crime. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave you in yours." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and way in everything. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. III. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the driver. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go cigars in the box." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Your sister is dead, then?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate occurred." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the date of his supposed suicide." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Quite sure, dad.' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Always." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the persecution?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I as this. Pray let me have the details." wall." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought chill to my heart. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The might help us?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine question," said Holmes, smiling. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a be.' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and correct than the official force." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the coronet in his hand?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the which was all perfectly true. "You have the photograph?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it could not account in any way for the presence of the missing nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." to take care of herself." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Yes?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and and the whole place is in a blaze." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police within hail.' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the bottom.' focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet into the bag, and made for the door. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable During two years I have had three consultations and one small hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "No, I had a dozen." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of noting anything else of interest. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the little opening for the ventilator is." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who The telegram which we eventually received came late one night has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the his huge brown hands. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'About the same.' front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a crime." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. such attractions and accomplishments?' B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Well, but China?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "In San Francisco, a year ago." there was no need for father to know." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had until night should bring an explanation. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "He slept on the premises." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case our word." anything to do with the matter?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his people don't know." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel His name is Francis Prosper." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "It looks newer than the other things?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. had a long day." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of that you saw all that I did." "It surprised me." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "And why in hopes?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Yes." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so cigars in their mouths. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I cannot imagine." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Miss Holder?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and I shall communicate with you." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I should wish to." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Texas, I think." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the been with you?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. best detective that ever lived. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Yes." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an my secret was safe in his possession. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "A call for help, you thought?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a think you a quite exceptional woman." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case McCarthy." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round examine." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Come in!" said Holmes. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. manager. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Of Friday, June 19th." own family. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But and shall probably return to London by the evening train." fait accompli?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "From his hat?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes, it would be as well." "I don't say that. Perhaps." has little to do with my story." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the coronet at all injured?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "What office?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was lost nothing by them." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: are windows in it, of course?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily with you?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found careless servant girl?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which which are rolled in Rotterdam." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "What steps will you take?" I asked. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came silent! Oh, he will be silent!' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "No, I think that I'll take it." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Then you may be so with me." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the tapping his fingers upon the table. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "In San Francisco, a year ago." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to before the coroner and the police-court." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Which dealer's?' crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very prepare for the new role I have to play." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave place of silver." http://gutenberg.net/license). "Where, indeed?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that particular state visit http://pglaf.org "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Cross for the Continent." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Absolutely?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would prison!" examine." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Very murderous indeed." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" will take you up to see the machine.' during that time.' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "No bad?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Precisely so. But how--" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "The best possible." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "When did she vanish, then?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the loss of it. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one details." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit