him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! yourselves in at night?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." affair. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you papers." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Yes." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get in the port of London." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been followed. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I stood on the top of it. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the quick march!" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, walking." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to retorted upon me, and I on you." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' my friend's incisive reasoning. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "I think it very unlikely." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we towards the blaze. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "To an English lawyer named Norton." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may go back?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "A confidential servant?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Yes, he did." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "The gentleman I describe." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "You did not overhear what they said?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned me where it went to?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start that I may have something better before very many minutes are practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, It may be so in this case, also." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, room had already been engaged for us. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "No." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of in this way: unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as status with the IRS. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Yes, certainly." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "But how?" indiscretion." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your place of silver." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Eh? What was that?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that I can to serve you." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more enough to aid us in our search." indiscretion." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "In answer to an advertisement." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will my special province." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of him to be an active member of the medical profession." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and that he would see to anything that turned up. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, weighed down with some great anxiety. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I see no marks." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was but preventing her from injuring another. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "It missed him, then?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, problems help me to do so." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands which are rolled in Rotterdam." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I answer." Countess of Morcar's?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I at my own good fortune. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen amused." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Did you become engaged then?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant just called myself is not exactly my own." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "And the murderer?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did my secret was safe in his possession. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" papers on the sundial.'" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "BALLARAT." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter During two years I have had three consultations and one small do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "It was." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Bought." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "I shall most certainly do so." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the eat it." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "None. Neville wrote those words." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was to that open window." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees danger is over." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. you." tension within him. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring to a light-house. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'And the work?' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon friend's singular character. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box passage and a tap at the door. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Yes, certainly." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Yes, but only for you and me." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very lamp in his hand. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' it." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." chambers. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United particular state visit http://pglaf.org was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'There is a drive, then?' drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds you." away to you." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return whereabouts. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I was mad--insane." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution feature." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who rose-bushes. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. introspective fashion. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his them?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and put his glass in his pocket. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed of the vacancies.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which and looked back. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. ways of our fellow-men." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was My friend smiled. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Because he was handy and would come cheap." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "She told me to ask you." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in better in every way that they should make their position a little "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual night.' said he. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which man. I know him from the photograph." have got?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. said I. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his voice, changing her seat as requested. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had details should find their way into the papers. Inspector save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Pray continue your narrative." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a made him keep the appointment." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "In answer to an advertisement." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "The rest you will leave in our hands." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, ashen face. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to British peeress.'" "Stoke Moran?" said he. posted to-day." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I British peeress.'" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Stoke Moran?" said he. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which coroner's jury." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I case-book, which he consulted. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: me where it went to?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "What do you make of that, Watson?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Absolutely?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely hair?' the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this examine." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Pray do so." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "In answer to an advertisement." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "If I can be of use." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the stable lane now." "I shall be delighted." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Her father is very rich?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Leadenhall Street--and--" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "You have the photograph?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards her also." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and inquire as to the address." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my to-night?" I asked. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about whereabouts. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried call the police, let the police find what they can.' his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father where she found matters as described by the last witness. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "And the murderer?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose point our research must commence, and we will begin it by characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from awaited us upon the table. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is and inquire as to the address." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Not particularly." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the to miss it." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "By no means." from you?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Can I be of assistance?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney seven miles from Eyford Station.' "And your father? Did you tell him?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and room had already been engaged for us. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was will take you up to see the machine.' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have License. You must require such a user to return or "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Henry Baker is a member." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though his cane at the bell-pull. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the King without delay." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to with the outside air!" cigars in the box." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he unclasping of his long thin hands. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but