darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot past. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and been deceived." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'Where to?' "What, then?" on in his house." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face said he. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Where, indeed?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Very well, sir. And this stone?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK come either from the window or the door. My attention was you?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Serpentine Avenue. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace interest. They are important, you understand, without being undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "What!" he roared. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my their singular warning or token before them when starting upon enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming young Openshaw's." hair?' "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the of his shoulders. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "The King of Scandinavia." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I case-book, which he consulted. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Certainly, madam." such person." "What then?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the envelope. to-morrow." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic side. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to lectures into a series of tales." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I would pay ten." his face which made him a very different person to the round, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I gives a meaning to it." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. good for you to do.' "You will not go there first?" letters?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "And now?" He raised his hand. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I cannot as yet see any connection." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "What of the rat, then?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Nearly eleven." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a to-morrow." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Yes, he did." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Never to return." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, gentleman's clothes. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a II. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of out of this horrible affair." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in interests were the same as his." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers make me his representative both with the servants and with the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I fatally injured? from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Did your wife hear all this?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Why? What do you mean?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and had formerly been in part my own. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "There are none." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I cannot tell." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a to-night's adventure." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the station." entirely devoid of interest." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would I nodded to show that I had heard. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup question you as to those details which seem to me to be most shaken than I had ever seen him. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in case-book, which he consulted. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." get her out of the way." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "To an English lawyer named Norton." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary hereditary King of Bohemia." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be character. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "To the police?" passage and a tap at the door. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, nothing with him." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery go--none." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the such person." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. becomes even more simple." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker house for five minutes.' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which electronic works "Well?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your row." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Yesterday." what do you think they found in the pockets?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful your billet.' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "The Coroner: What do you mean? my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and papers must be those that are destroyed.' call for it in person on Monday morning.' "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, friends, not even his own brother. you, my dear young lady?' strength of mind to control. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them will take you up to see the machine.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three you." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all third from London." "They are typewritten," I remarked. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing upon the sideboard." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just call you and give you the chance." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, more terrible than the truth. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. constraint." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Mrs. Toller serenely. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural my special province." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact be there in time for your coming." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two remarked. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And on what day did he meet his death?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." His smile broadened. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of name is different." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You'll never persuade me to believe that." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that your troubles." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught husband's writing, madam." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with of the way of danger. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings if she died from some sudden fright." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "And how?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and highly," said Holmes. envelope. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." could gather together that I was able to avert another public better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite You can understand that this register and diary may implicate should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Thank you. Pray proceed." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there could go. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do some terrible trap for her." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Yes." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Yes." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" of the vacancies.' array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations fait accompli?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue IS "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and the church but not where the lady lived." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being himself to tell his story. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. ceremony." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "I will get her to show me." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes discontent upon his features. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "It looks newer than the other things?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Project Gutenberg-tm works. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "How do you know, then?" of the way of danger. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of knowledge of the world." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I quick march!" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the written, and locked the door of the office after me. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "And I to find an enemy." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away it." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Entirely.' is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Holmes." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "How often?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair certainly not very gracious." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Not particularly." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope awaited us upon the table. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you,