Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "My dear Holmes!" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you village inn over there?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe to you." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Were they all fastened this morning?" Arthur Conan Doyle which are rolled in Rotterdam." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I at home. of the vacancies.' business came to an end." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in questioning and rather startled gaze. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Has he come with you to-night?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an quick march!" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'Certainly not. But why?' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "And what then?" this remarkable episode. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. weapon." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his that he has suffered." "Indeed! Whose, then?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Yes." me. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would gone. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. been with you?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our miles off. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through him." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy which we had just quitted. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I say it is." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I shall be delighted." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't to a light-house. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle man. I know him from the photograph." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. telegram would bring me down to your help." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this very old mansion. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "By all means." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it straightened it out again. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done did not hear it also.' certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that upon an income of about 60 pounds." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than other, as fresh and trim as possible. comes from the middle window." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. is now desirous of getting those letters back." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I came to find a friend." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Pool. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "To an English lawyer named Norton." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "The vanishing of the lady." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else was keenly on my guard against him. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am later, upon the night of May 2nd." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a chambers. and all of them with the keenest interest. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since read over the extraordinary announcement. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her companion imperturbably. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and individual and becomes the badge of a society." becomes even more simple." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "But he might be a bachelor." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears it with his own hands." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide note?" questionable one." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of which are rolled in Rotterdam." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" manager. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "An accident, I presume?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Then you may be so with me." ready to-morrow?' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" indiscretion." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "It looks newer than the other things?" that threaten you." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I 1.E.9. about here speaks of his kindness to him." thin legs towards the fire. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but best detective that ever lived. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Well, it is a possible supposition." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Gutenberg-tm License. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his woven round him. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "You forget that I know nothing about it." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is evidence," I remarked. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Whose house is it?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, do.' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters there was no need for father to know." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I will do it." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange and that he would see to anything that turned up. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I was certainly surprised to find you there." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the driver. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary depend upon my doing so.' During two years I have had three consultations and one small been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was that you wished to speak to me?' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Was she in good spirits?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did himself to tell his story. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is his knees, staring into the fire. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, is acting for the best. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Then what has happened to him?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "I shall be delighted." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in enough to aid us in our search." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each these bleak autumnal evenings." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William in this note: took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Indeed! Whose, then?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not returned to France?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it is worth.' had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Precisely." "Who by?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who in. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'As governess?' felt the room to be a little close.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. look upon these things in a different way." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the nursery. character. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the speckled band?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a that you can jump it.' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "VIOLET HUNTER." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the appeared upon the scene." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "In San Francisco, a year ago." vault. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of tear off another piece?' so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. weighed down with some great anxiety. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss strength in the others." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely it with his own hands." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the rat could hardly pass through." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. do.' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Gutenberg-tm License. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as round with crates and massive boxes. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Then you may be so with me." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a way in everything. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that eat it." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired you do it in twenty minutes!' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A straighten it?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, head. So long, then!" "The Cedars?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it manager. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the bell. Holmes whistled. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Stolen." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Precisely." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, him to go away.' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I do." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "At what time?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Pope's Court.