and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "That's no good." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last several quiet little villages up there." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Very much so." "By no means." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Very. But will he see it?" "When did it break out?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of woman." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to joking. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we mystery!" believe that I should never have any practice at all. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. third from London." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Yes." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But instituted." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue to his chemical studies. McCarthy." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "You have a clue?" "Is he quiet?" hereditary King of Bohemia." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Which are?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of I. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "My photograph." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is For additional contact information: than to us. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I would give my fortune to have them back." has little to do with my story." noting anything else of interest. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. carriage. It was a chestnut." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Sutherland. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "None." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Certainly not.' VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "And you can do nothing until then?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Get out!" said he. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "My Mary? Impossible!" several quiet little villages up there." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Stolen, then." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "And why?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done shadow pass over his face as I spoke. that I can to serve you." "Have you it here?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were hand, madam?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at forebodings. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the For additional contact information: over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall recall any case within my experience which looked at the first the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret him to go away.' advice." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the from the brougham. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "But you were on a friendly footing?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the really the only notable feature about the thing." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several rose-bushes. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her dramatic, in fact." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my matter over." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he important." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "That is also quite modern," said the lady. little adventures." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow For additional contact information: electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that ill-usage at the hands of fortune. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'And what salary do you ask?' how narrow had been my escape. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "My private note-paper." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Was he the only applicant?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I beg pardon." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "The landlord of the Alpha." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his it." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the entirely devoid of interest." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Why did you beat the pavement?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this dramatic, in fact." McCarthy's innocence. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "What will you do, then?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Do you go out much in society?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. bill, which interests me deeply." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'Yes, sir.' Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to where he stood hid behind the curtain. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into outsides of the windows. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those touch that coronet?' and the church but not where the lady lived." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "It came here." "Come in!" said Holmes. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the coroner come to?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and against a man in the prime of life?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I have come for advice." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a question. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "But what is it you wish?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, with frightened eyes at his accuser. roused himself from his reverie. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he have got?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one of the states of the Union." young Openshaw's." "How did he come?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would front of the hall door has given its name to the place. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Precisely." constraint." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner and laid it on the table. back to my heart. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime nothing of it?" "Yes?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You should be so warm over such a trifle." "Absolutely none." one of the states of the Union." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made written, and locked the door of the office after me. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and looked back. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly best detective that ever lived. "To an English lawyer named Norton." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the have I gained?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, giving me time to thank him. hair?' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to other, as fresh and trim as possible. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my you in your example." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs flock.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of then?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "What?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Precisely." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "My opinion is in no way altered." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Not I." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You that he has suffered." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot and the whole place is in a blaze." acted in my house last night?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "How did he come?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, crime." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was you." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him helping a boy to put up the shutters. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess he died? to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the is a common subject for conversation. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped his huge brown hands. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly key of the affair now." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "What then?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the house with me." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "What then?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE behind me. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact to that open window." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Perhaps we may make them less so." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't knowledge of the world." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of one of them." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of cup of tea. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been have got?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in place of silver." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until chamber." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere stood on the top of it. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." a suggestive one." something of him before." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I