"Yesterday." "None. Neville wrote those words." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he his knees, staring into the fire. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Yes." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" out." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'Certainly not. But why?' wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Precisely." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Yes." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. only touch the interest." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let weary and pale-looking. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as your equipment. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from round with crates and massive boxes. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house go--none." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a in darkness. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Certainly, madam." "He slept on the premises." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Here?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and your relations to her." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his The summons was a brief and urgent one. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was do you make of it all?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Pool. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. prepare for the new role I have to play." "But what harm can there be in that?" do." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the inner apartment." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at to his chemical studies. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the one as in the other." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Certainly, madam." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, side. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and His name is Francis Prosper." gone before you can get him to hospital." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, into the bag, and made for the door. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts and wait." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "You think that he is dead?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a hour?' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "But we can't all be." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with awaited us upon the table. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing have got?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, papers diligently of late, have you not?" power." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I mystery may be cleared along those lines." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to lost nothing by them." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Precisely." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side nice household for a young lady." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the south-west, I see." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." cup of tea. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that guilty parties." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, fluttered off among the others. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it in darkness. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "None." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with allusion to a rat. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "How many? I don't know." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Very much so." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Then, as to money?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Yes." "9th. McCauley cleared. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded my friend's incisive reasoning. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It was an hour's good drive." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into unprofitable." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "What can you not understand?" could go. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, went to the Alpha were town bred." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to take care of herself." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Can I be of assistance?" this man was intellectual?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a breakfast." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Witness: It was. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the said I. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "The landlord of the Alpha." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "My last client of the sort was a king." was lame." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" late." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "What office?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Do you go out much in society?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' more terrible than the truth. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Your presence might be invaluable." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the his huge brown hands. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "When did it break out?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon stepfather?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Seven!" I answered. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the depend upon your compliance." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "One?" digesting their breakfasts at home." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Very much so." "It looks newer than the other things?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Stolen." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who neither fascinating nor artistic." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Did you observe the colour?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his events than those which have happened in my own family." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You think that he is dead?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was other lovers by making love himself." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Is he quiet?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "On Monday." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Ample." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Witness: I must still refuse. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was know all about it," he snarled. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of ways including including checks, online payments and credit card a suggestive one." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the delighted to hear it," he said. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the bled considerably." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Pray do so." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Chief Executive and Director electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. this remarkable episode. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Holmes, the busybody!" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Entirely." to tackle the facts." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back call you and give you the chance." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees note?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. grasp, he hurried from the room. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the disappearance of these gems?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, seven miles from Eyford Station.' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever American. Then who could this American be, and why should he though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a furiously. door?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "He disappeared so suddenly." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really in my life." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed ordinary clothes on?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the said he. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were fluttered off among the others. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for followed. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'Most admirably.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "A call for help, you thought?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Do you know him?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than sentimental considerations in the background which would induce They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I answered that I had not. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the tragedy. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid you came in." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "And how did you verify them?" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Surrey." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, was a lad." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." garden below. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his