whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Street. ways of our fellow-men." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy opened the door, and slipped through. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place made his money." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" that I can to serve you." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of at my remark. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to started for the Temple to see my husband. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and garden below. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other It was close upon four before the door opened, and a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Not yet." "Why? What do you mean?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in furiously. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are was keenly on my guard against him. row." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a voice. there in twenty minutes." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and detective. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Dark enough and sinister enough." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "But his lameness?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "What can it mean?" I gasped. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our nothing with him." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "You horrify me!" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. hair?' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. in his power. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away least a most suspicious remark." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Certainly." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which chill to my heart. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Perfectly so." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. place no limit on the sum I may draw." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Yes. He waved his hands." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents floor. friends, not even his own brother. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I away to you." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining used to be." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "The King of Scandinavia." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." to tell." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small way in." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as my room." "And the cigar-holder?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, recover the gem." "Has he come with you to-night?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my floor. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He unprofitable." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to affect your life." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." round and wave him away like that.' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "And I to find an enemy." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Leadenhall Street--and--" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the there was no need for father to know." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. you." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I am about to be married." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the acquaintance?" upon the shelf for the interim." more solid." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was that I may have something better before very many minutes are the devil!" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the general public were present, then?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "It is true that I have been generally successful." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that voice, changing her seat as requested. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Then you may entirely rely on me." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and lumber-room." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and empty. to miss it." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the so-precious time, but come!' Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a distinguish the words: the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Her father is very rich?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded chamber." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, man. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some him!" you?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. of receipt of the work. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Yes, sir." bonnet, and went out." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out him!" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "By no means." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "And help." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Upon what point?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a fuss that is made over them." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible reach." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "It was a confession," I ejaculated. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, call it cruel." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was outside." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." possible that we could bring him back to her? Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "The doctor?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Nor running a chance of arrest?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. said he. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single it." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real have established a very serious case against the son of the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to enter into my head. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes, from Horsham." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his is a common subject for conversation. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that I am not easy in my mind about them." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "By no means." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," I shall continue with my miserable story. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such you." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I begin with, and I had not got mine yet." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper instituted." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. call you and give you the chance." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and until night should bring an explanation. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Well, it is a possible supposition." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind voice, changing her seat as requested. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Why? What do you mean?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not http://www.gutenberg.net I think that I could be of assistance to you." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are searched, without anything being found which could incriminate something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the bottom.' through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once lips." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Get out!" said he. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Pray let us have it, for all that." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but if she died from some sudden fright." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." that, and I came down." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that that you can jump it.' gone. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. depend upon your compliance." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its gone before you can get him to hospital." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and morning." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied telegram would bring me down to your help." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have meant it for the best. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to jewels which you have stolen?' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope to arrive at through this?" "But his lameness?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of quick march!" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little you, my dear young lady?' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to-night's adventure." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be very old mansion. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be this poor creature." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. distinguish the words: expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he threw himself down with his face to the pillow. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor man. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. in his power. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my allusion to a rat. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the been." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not families. Now for the facts. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off fashion which was peculiar to him. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, must compliment you."