hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She IS ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with might help us?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "You think that he is dead?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "It is half-past ten now." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner advice." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and lectures into a series of tales." Lee, in the county of Kent." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, of Fenchurch Street." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the dangers which encompass me." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Yes, it would be as well." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it such attractions and accomplishments?' "'Which dealer's?' works. works. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have lumber-room." I approached. "Yesterday." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of mystery!" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet have got?" dear old homesteads?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will before the coroner and the police-court." Holmes' room. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private I approached. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of learned something! Where are the gems?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Very well, sir. And this stone?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' not personally threatened." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of generous with you in money matters.' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would shoulder. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. at my own good fortune. and effective." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Entirely." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest DAMAGE. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in your sleep?' seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which what do you think they found in the pockets?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a his knees, staring into the fire. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, digesting their breakfasts at home." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "9th. McCauley cleared. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "No, thank goodness, she did not." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George status with the IRS. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster photograph?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. 'please.'" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'What do you call purely nominal?' chance." way in everything. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the his grey eyes. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I assure you that I am in your hands." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he as he folded up the epistle. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "When did it break out?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the read it out to me." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Mary, has deserted me." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the prepare for the new role I have to play." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I It may be so in this case, also." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of you do it in twenty minutes!' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "And how in the world did you find them?" "'Very good.' "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," of Mr. Rucastle's." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "It looks newer than the other things?" nice household for a young lady." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical business came to an end." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" washing it down with a long draught of water. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all crackling voice. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite this as likely?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "She showed me, as I told you she would." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best in his hands." delirious. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very fluttered off among the others. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the driver. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst morning." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. had this final quarrel? fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "It is very clear." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." maiden herself was most instructive." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "What shall I do?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "What are they?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without to-night?" I asked. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" to have been novel and of interest." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "We have tried and failed." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining his knees, staring into the fire. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that key of the affair now." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to undoubtedly my uncle's." forehead. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." his cane at the bell-pull. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I don't say that. Perhaps." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your indeed which he could not unravel. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her lumber-room." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a instituted." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. know that the truth is known." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that should be so warm over such a trifle." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "They are typewritten," I remarked. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "An accident, I presume?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and and inquire as to the address." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his you." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to disappearance of these gems?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Yes." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with might help us?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the stable lane now." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and bell. Holmes whistled. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "On Monday." suspect him." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the indeed happy." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again American. Then who could this American be, and why should he someone who had been in Australia." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "What! You do not mean bodies?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, himself. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and events than those which have happened in my own family." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you quick march!" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, six. Come in!" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged along the entire front of the house, with three long windows permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable dates and names. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "What office?" coroner's jury." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "What can you not understand?" crime. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of of the vacancies.' "Just look it up, then." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'And what salary do you ask?' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him she might be summoned. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is throat." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he are windows in it, of course?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first what these perils are?" had picked up in the wood. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope this remarkable episode. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant hair?' result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "In answer to an advertisement." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "And I." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Where, indeed?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in important." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' upon the sideboard." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "To an end?" my secret was safe in his possession. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have ways of our fellow-men." will he say when he returns?" "But I am all in the dark." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. business in the City. She little knew what. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush lamp.