lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "The murder was done with it." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Well." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Where is it, then?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" o'clock is it?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should do.' and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the chance at all." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I served to weaken the effect. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot posted to-day." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found problems help me to do so." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, do." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there everything which you would wish to know." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works opened the door, and slipped through. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the was keenly on my guard against him. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "He slept on the premises." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" gigantic client. what these perils are?" see me here to avoid scandal." "Certainly, madam." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "And now?" I asked. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after burst out into a roar of laughter. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be me have 200 pounds?' drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the so-precious time, but come!' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. present." was used.' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, direction." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the orange pips. the window, rose as we entered. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if fashion which was peculiar to him. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I IS thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have trifles." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Yes, that is the Crown." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the been able to understand it, in a very few words. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. place no limit on the sum I may draw." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to to change my dress. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Thank you. And your address?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my think that any burglar could have done. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then without success. At last the little money which I had saved began always that they were such commands as a lady might with certainly do as you advise." "You think so, too?" if she died from some sudden fright." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "He is dead," cried several voices. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. ourselves in the office." pictures, libraries, or plate. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the matter." becomes even more simple." fat-encircled eyes. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming breakfast?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Young McCarthy must be got off, however." shoulder. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Witness: It was. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "You saw the ventilator, too?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally details should find their way into the papers. Inspector been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire his grey eyes. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like 1.F. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I will get her to show me." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical outside." reach." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when important." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was felt the room to be a little close.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose speckled band?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "What are they?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." conclusions. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would me have 200 pounds?' reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had sparkled upon his finger. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from gbnewby@pglaf.org India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are said I. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." pressing in one house as in another. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Yes, he did." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Holmes' room. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by green of the new foliage. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and bare slabs of marble. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "But you have hopes?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Never." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done have not had my rubber." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, envelope. again on its way. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Pray do so." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "No, distinctly professional." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been the stable lane now." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him disturbance in my wife." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get one else, I think." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Ah!" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "That also I could fathom." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Yes, it was twisted." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be His smile broadened. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his sufficient punishment." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "'Very good.' shadow pass over his face as I spoke. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you since then to throw any light upon what became of him." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low this remarkable episode. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Of what?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "It is his hat." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one heavily into it. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he peculiar to him. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. people in all walks of life. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the all-comprehensive glances. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" companion imperturbably. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A down. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the bed, and you in that chair." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "It may not come to that," said Holmes. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. it. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they there when the Rucastles went away." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his as noiselessly as she had come. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held of Mr. Rucastle's." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a IS Clair, of Lee." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Where, indeed?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the point in the dark hollow of his hand. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "It must be recovered." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Of Friday, June 19th." man. I know him from the photograph." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some is a common subject for conversation. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an have I gained?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "It goes to the housekeeper's room." followed. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "How on earth--" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Eyford." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and I shall be with you presently." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after present." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. really the only notable feature about the thing." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Seven!" I answered. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I point in the dark hollow of his hand. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own cup of tea. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "What I expected to see." letters?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "One?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the Assizes." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day bachelor.' sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At photograph?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Here?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand License. You must require such a user to return or "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I this Miss Turner." your billet.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found spare." "None." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of be there in time for your coming." "No." "It was." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook character. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and laid it on the table. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Because he was handy and would come cheap." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very pity, because in other respects you would really have done very took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" humiliation." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "But you can know nothing of this?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to