me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "10th. John Swain cleared. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over drove away. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "You don't mind breaking the law?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "And leave your case unfinished?" chambers. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "He said too much." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'Not at all. I only doubt--' notes," he said. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Clair, of Lee." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "And how did you find out?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, all that?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "What then?" "'Where to?' a good hundred miles off by now." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the said I. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. carpenter." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "But how?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Was she in good spirits?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window interested in these little problems, and since you are good action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Precisely." drawing your inferences." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do tassel actually lying upon the pillow. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a in darkness. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Tired-looking or fresh?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I never have." your own bird, so if you wish--" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Game for a morning drive?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "No." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, points to suicide?" coat-tails." been able to understand it, in a very few words. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. spare." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Look there!" said he. "Were they all fastened this morning?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I cannot imagine." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your or in danger--" mystery." have not had my rubber." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the date of his supposed suicide." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the again on its way. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, upon an income of about 60 pounds." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. tear off another piece?' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "One?" outbreak?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I cannot imagine." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, bare slabs of marble. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I will get her to show me." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the that you can jump it.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They himself to hunt down. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each here." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Precisely so. But how--" said I. indiscretion." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could any little problem which you may submit to me." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing towards the blaze. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so friends, not even his own brother. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong wall." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. I held the little printed slip to the light. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a mysterious business." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "He might." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "It surprised me." "'A dozen yards or so.' rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "What do you mean?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one indeed happy." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the promised to bring home. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over just called myself is not exactly my own." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I was sure that I might rely on you." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Dark enough and sinister enough." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended said he. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "But his lameness?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "About a month then." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Then you may entirely rely on me." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Have you it here?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "When did it break out?" "To ruin me." "Absolutely none." telegram would bring me down to your help." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he which it had come upon my father." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let felt the room to be a little close.' to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in forecastle of an emigrant ship. gbnewby@pglaf.org light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "I would give my fortune to have them back." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it upon an income of about 60 pounds." "He might." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my down from London to inquire more deeply into it." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress present." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, you." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive bachelor.' only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you politicians who had been sent down from the North. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my main points of my analysis." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have way in." have had none more fantastic than this." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I promise," said Holmes. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Countess of Morcar's?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear States. coat-tails." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and tightly behind him. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do a good hundred miles off by now." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine it right.' so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Nor running a chance of arrest?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an my friend's incisive reasoning. breakfast?" "That is it on the dressing-table." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I see many objections to any such theory." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper you, my dear young lady?' "It is true that I have been generally successful." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a of." to some other building. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to-night?' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion way in everything. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "When did she vanish, then?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread and files of the old papers, following the future career of every found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at ordinary clothes on?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the there!' been deceived." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in his wife has ceased to love him." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "And you thought he was pulled back?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, from you?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Only as much as we can deduce." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I should be immensely obliged to you." sufficient punishment." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me introspective fashion. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Very. But will he see it?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "An accident, I presume?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over must be when I saw the door open.' which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "The murder was done with it." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from train.' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the matter?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon questionable one." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I know that the truth is known." "It looks newer than the other things?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Yes, from Horsham." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "And how did he make his money?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. emerged. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun gone. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Your presence might be invaluable." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is relief. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only both be extremely obliged.' have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' your room." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing been lifted and conveyed somewhere." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Eh? What was that?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I have my revolver," said I. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread from the brougham. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold,