"I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Ample.' "It is possible." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very to arrive at through this?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "You think so, too?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I returning from some small jollification and was making his way "I have hopes." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an completely overtopped every other consideration that we both back to my heart. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Yes, sir." very old mansion. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but DISSOLVED. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said relief. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front from the brougham. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that your sleep?' such attractions and accomplishments?' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. shall use the carriage to-night." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "None." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. individual and becomes the badge of a society." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible 1.F. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the ourselves in the office." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of meanly of me." drove away. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should locked. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of really the only notable feature about the thing." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point down. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must business?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for is a common subject for conversation. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "What then?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may woman." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'Ten to two.' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his lectures into a series of tales." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I will try. What is it?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to you." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Where, then, is my wife?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Absolutely none." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." union?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. strength in the others." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set away in different directions, and I went off to make my own It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural believe that I should never have any practice at all. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "'And the work?' summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its handed it to him. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather go--none." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the was used.' an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Did you observe the colour?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa his grey eyes. vanished into the darkness. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "VIOLET HUNTER." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "A thing like a cleaver," said he. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, unprofitable." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his there in twenty minutes." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "I know where it is." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Was there a secret marriage?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "What?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "What are they?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was was shining brightly. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and room?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. all-comprehensive glances. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "I am all attention, madam." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be photograph a cabinet?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I should wish to." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "You are certainly joking, Holmes." do.' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Was the window open?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural peculiar to him. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "My opinion is in no way altered." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "And what did you see?" do.' clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "You'll never persuade me to believe that." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible chemical work which was so dear to him. on in his house." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue before, for it was considerably after midnight. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" any more." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "That is it on the dressing-table." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. come either from the window or the door. My attention was results." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his to tackle the facts." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just strength." dates and names. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the me upon any point which I do not make clear." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." some city in a dream. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "BALLARAT." at a side door. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he than was visible to me." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting outside. strength." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "I shall be delighted." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I bears upon the case?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Game for a morning drive?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "That also I could fathom." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "And help." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for his cane at the bell-pull. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my gives a meaning to it." "No, I had a dozen." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to union?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital I leave." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a will take you up to see the machine.' could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me such attractions and accomplishments?' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of business at Coburg Square is serious." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation me." do.' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "He disappeared so suddenly." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Then the page we have seen--" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Who by?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "A confidential servant?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate until night should bring an explanation. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "What office?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Yes, it was twisted." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my in a very precise fashion." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "One of his hands." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are answer." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "A greater distance to travel." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the within hail.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press answer." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old room?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had has little to do with my story." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and him, that man would not have given me such complete information her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "He is dead," cried several voices. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "My Mary? Impossible!" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "But who is he?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "What?" "'I have heard so.' knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a unprecedented a position." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. fatally injured? arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote chemical work which was so dear to him. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how I held the little printed slip to the light. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could province." "He is dead," cried several voices. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "No bad?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to