"'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Perhaps we may make them less so." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Yes." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his with frightened eyes at his accuser. "There are none." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." murdered man." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House to tackle the facts." of the one which your family is now devouring." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, felt?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "And what did you see?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly tell him that I know him to be innocent." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "But what harm can there be in that?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock this as likely?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, his grey eyes. "And how did you find out?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Tired-looking or fresh?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH before the coroner and the police-court." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We The events in question occurred in the early days of my anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Certainly." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "At the wedding breakfast." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a his wife has ceased to love him." way: of the vacancies.' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Thank you. Pray proceed." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the inquest, and which are worth considering." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so thirty. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a conceal it?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and must compliment you." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear and laid it on the table. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as disappearance of these gems?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the bottom.' wedding?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon very morning of my second wedding." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I am armed." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "An enemy?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Oh, fresh and glossy." presume?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange little adventures." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which golden eyeglasses. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle way: "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, generous with you in money matters.' child?' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer crime. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "What have you to say now?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about interest. They are important, you understand, without being round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "You forget that I know nothing about it." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "'Stolen!' he cried. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they case before our client came into the room." said he. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Oh, yes, easily." is a common subject for conversation. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss new duties?' "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I cannot tell." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "But how?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the that I am arrested." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might I leave." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "And I." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door clang of the bell. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Street. the inner apartment." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. at my own good fortune. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his should be taken.' balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Yes. He waved his hands." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he where she found matters as described by the last witness. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began outside." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your fact, we may call it conclusive." "Texas, I think." indiscretion." emerged. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just there in twenty minutes." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Dirty?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention o'clock is it?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Come in!" said Holmes. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever house for five minutes.' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." will he say when he returns?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was three of the beryls in it, was missing. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get was shining brightly. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not legal crime." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to was not a bird to be seen there. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting tapping his fingers upon the table. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, me. McCarthy." these bleak autumnal evenings." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and matter." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I opportunities to fix the problem. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Then, how do you know?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a good for you to do.' "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months God! What an exposure! What can I do?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had in your London, you will know that the office of the company is on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There problems help me to do so." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "And Irene Adler?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "The Coroner: What do you mean? large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it go--none." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "They are typewritten," I remarked. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the stable lane now." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, you." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the words came to my lips. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather I shall continue with my miserable story. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of companion quietly. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'Never,' said I. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to miles off. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "An accident, I presume?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in said I. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I morning." away to you." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." must be when I saw the door open.' they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but rose-bushes. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be noting anything else of interest. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce just called myself is not exactly my own." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and indiscretion." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I than to us. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the morning and make my own way in the world.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card you for a few hours?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Yes, all." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Where to?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Yes, but only for you and me." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Yes." "Has he come with you to-night?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I key of the affair now." "My last client of the sort was a king." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect too. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Dirty?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Why serious?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you shall not find me ungrateful." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, excitement. already referred to. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us you." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Leadenhall Street--and--" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he said he. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great