out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically not interfere, come what may. You understand?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away strength in the others." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to rose-bushes. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the minor matters until to-morrow." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no both be extremely obliged.' It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is digesting their breakfasts at home." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It key turn in the lock." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in the port of London." said Mr. Holder. miles off. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall which should have the effect of calling the attention of the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, pierced for earrings?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "What do you mean?" at once, for I have only half an hour." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the Assizes." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which business." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "But I have heard all that you have heard." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either goes." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "You don't mind breaking the law?" unprecedented a position." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, one of the states of the Union." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without silent! Oh, he will be silent!' sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Where, indeed?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "You were travelling in the States?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an as yours." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that enter Dr. Roylott's room." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Have you her photograph?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate weigh very heavily upon my conscience." national property. I was determined that the law should have its large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, flock.' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with then?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and asked. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled unprecedented a position." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very colour had been driven from his face. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Perhaps I have." to surprise her." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly confronted him. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or beg that you will break it off." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. should be so warm over such a trifle." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic already been minutely examined." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" like gravel from a pit.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that pound a week." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency province." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "How about poison?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Holmes' room. The events in question occurred in the early days of my cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly unkempt, staring out at me. chance." do you make of it all?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, must compliment you." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is was shining brightly. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have I leave." rat could hardly pass through." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried certainly not very gracious." more solid." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched opportunities to fix the problem. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "It is no ordinary one." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the new acquaintance to Baker Street. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms interest. They are important, you understand, without being already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "What can you not understand?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some as he folded up the epistle. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional of his shoulders. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong up this clue while it is still hot." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that you." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the meanly of me." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the prepare for the new role I have to play." emerged. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying see me here to avoid scandal." what I may call a really hard day's work." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on bird I ate is country bred." know what is wrong with it.' bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable things are very often connected not with the larger but with the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Nearly eleven." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Where is it, then?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at a few minutes he said that it would be all right. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon his cane at the bell-pull. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Miss Holder?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB galvanised. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "To the police?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "And why?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some them?" easy-going way." "Yes." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "You horrify me!" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was spare." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. nothing of it?" happened." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to outside. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Very truly yours, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the all that?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, opened the door, and slipped through. as he remarks, very much against the son." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very 11:15.' is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room official police." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "But what is it you wish?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, there." bled considerably." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in has little to do with my story." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some she has been waylaid. There has been no result." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "And what did you learn from him?" fatally injured? heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their presented which may be striking and bizarre without being practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "My dear Holmes!" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further been with you?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" late." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "It was." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "No, distinctly professional." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "It missed him, then?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'There is a drive, then?' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "She told me to ask you." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have again, where I was soon asleep. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my of your young ladies.' horse could go." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Then I do not see the point." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "What can it mean?" I gasped. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate with the outside air!" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I overpowering excitement and concern. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a an introduction to him?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most indeed which he could not unravel. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. him to go away.' to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope opportunities to fix the problem. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of thin legs towards the fire. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud allusion to a rat. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Dr. Gregory B. Newby down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert was lame." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I cheerful." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found man. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of