to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most My friend smiled. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. it means?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are before, for it was considerably after midnight. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a been deceived." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he it were putty." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Why, it's a dummy," said he. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no instituted." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the Red-headed League." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of My friend smiled. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "If so, much may have happened between." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Was the window open?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "What! a murderous attack?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very placed his cuttings. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "It looks newer than the other things?" was feeling which was the fattest.' centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel carriage. It was a chestnut." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade nonsense.' and that he would see to anything that turned up. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son present strange and interesting features that it is no easy all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were of his shoulders. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so companion. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and heavily into it. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "'I am sure that I do not know.' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if relief. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was his huge brown hands. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "How do you know, then?" "It must be recovered." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this shall use the carriage to-night." astonishment. weighed down with some great anxiety. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously had no one to advise her at such a crisis." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before chamber." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'I have heard so.' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Pray do so." husband's writing, madam." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'Yes, sir.' Miss Holder?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, You want to know what became of those geese?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, charge against him will break down." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself have got?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. is now desirous of getting those letters back." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Then what has happened to him?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'Certainly not.' my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news meant it for the best. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be details." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she details." heavy and sharp instrument." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I have hopes." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "But how did you gain them?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am never came back." "How did that help you?" "I think that it is very probable." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about vault. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. strength in the others." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I know where it is." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three looking up at the numbers of the houses." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary works. See paragraph 1.E below. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police key of the affair now." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because generous with you in money matters.' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the started for the Temple to see my husband. there was no need for father to know." wedding?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "What have you to say now?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty our word." "His face fell immediately. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. enough to aid us in our search." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me gbnewby@pglaf.org wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept papers." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when eat it." his wife has ceased to love him." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated it." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Certainly." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Yes." "I cannot imagine." will he say when he returns?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; vault. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm once more to my work. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and over with notes and figures. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt carpenter." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It surprised me." been deceived." for the market.' behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain bell. Holmes whistled. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations evidence," I remarked. cost them two and thirty pounds." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came generous with you in money matters.' ourselves in the office." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "And the murderer?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Sutherland. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven looking up at the numbers of the houses." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four out of this horrible affair." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know you?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of legal crime." "An accident, I presume?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are good-night and bustled off upon her way. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my nice household for a young lady." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. hair?' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "What can you not understand?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Very. But will he see it?" "And you don't know his address?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Nothing?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "What then?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to 1.E.9. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into see a sister of mine apply for." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional rat could hardly pass through." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "That's no good." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Was she in good spirits?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of whether it answered to the description of any of their although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own at my remark. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of things are very often connected not with the larger but with the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will few hundred pounds.' the devil!" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing gigantic client. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the warnings." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Well, but China?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at laugh and put his lips to my ear. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And you thought he was pulled back?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Yes, sir." of a light. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the upon a handsome competence. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile which was all perfectly true. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped guilty parties." third from London." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my notes," he said. before the coroner and the police-court." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Nothing." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Chief Executive and Director your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and wait." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was kind enough to tell me what I should do." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken 'please.'" as he remarks, very much against the son." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the general public were present, then?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "My own seal." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "No legal papers or certificates?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has this Miss Turner." over part of the map. "What do you read?" works. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' think that any burglar could have done. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his written. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Project Gutenberg-tm works. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached house for five minutes.' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; this man was intellectual?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Chief Executive and Director cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'Stolen!' he cried. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed written. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He forbidden door. "Pray continue your narrative." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the