She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, I was concerned in it." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Street. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that unprecedented a position." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in yourselves in at night?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed undoubtedly my uncle's." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the my special province." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'Yes, sir.' keep the flames under. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little outside." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" events than those which have happened in my own family." "But it has twice been burgled." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the you give your casting vote to?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "By no means." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, him and tried to hold him back. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom tell me that you intended to go into harness." to miss it." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, at once, for I have only half an hour." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a child?' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that envelope. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Yes." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Then I do not see the point." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it shoulder. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Is he quiet?" of it with the greatest attention. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "But you have hopes?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train province." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "What then?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, there has been an enclosure here!" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. you?' knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of bird I ate is country bred." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the coat-tails." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't best detective that ever lived. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the address that was given us in the advertisement. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Yes, from Horsham." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "And you don't know his address?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank papers diligently of late, have you not?" villagers almost as much as their master. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. The summons was a brief and urgent one. should be taken.' "'Yes, sir.' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An least a most suspicious remark." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet remarked. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "But of what society?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." constraint." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce said he at last. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "What, then?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. particular state visit http://pglaf.org making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Yes." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "And is that all?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The mystery may be cleared along those lines." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my wall." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Awake, Watson?" he asked. bell. Holmes whistled. next day. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to that open window." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and your Highness to the police-station?" guilty parties." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "And I to find an enemy." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Holmes." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that meant it for the best. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided approach us with offers to donate. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of head. So long, then!" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "And you don't know his address?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear and effective." my little problems." little trying to do so much typewriting?" Pope's Court. "We were both in the photograph." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but go back?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Count Von Kramm." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is might have a private word with us. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself once more for Briony Lodge. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Why did you pick him?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by my secret was safe in his possession. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' said he at last. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the over here." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Never to return." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the used to be." meant it for the best. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a writers could invent nothing more crude." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I don't believe it." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may off." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, voice, changing her seat as requested. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an business?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Surrey." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to read over the extraordinary announcement. daring than any effort of the imagination." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holmes' room. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my During two years I have had three consultations and one small dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Miss Holder?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "No, I had a dozen." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to door?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You have compromised yourself seriously." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. forebodings. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his cup of tea. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" and inquire as to the address." is," said he presently: formed some opinion?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. not fit the lock." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? I nodded again. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' business came to an end." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "May I see it?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to me. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and directly by questioning you." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy me. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this me. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." weapon." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I am about to be married." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "What then?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I it." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "No." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "How about poison?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common chair. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert cup of tea. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You have compromised yourself seriously." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Do you know him?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His over his head with a sweet womanly caress. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "No." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw any little problem which you may submit to me." "You think that he is dead?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the placed his cuttings. posted to-day." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Your French gold?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. assist you in forming an opinion." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the best of training." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled fuss that is made over them." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the in his hands." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "None." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax drawing your inferences." and all of them with the keenest interest. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone ashen face. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under attention." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how