"I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when business in the City. She little knew what. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" question. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Mrs. Toller serenely. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from despaired of." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for he. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I stepfather?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, lost nothing by them." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "We have tried and failed." call it cruel." is four-and-twenty." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Proceed, then." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "It was." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get may have an influence upon European history." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who room had already been engaged for us. chamber." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Seven!" I answered. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client mysterious business." detained." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The be. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'Oh, no.' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to obstinate." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling mystery!" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence floor. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be entirely lost his self-respect." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "You were travelling in the States?" train.' companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home green of the new foliage. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out gbnewby@pglaf.org customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I shall be delighted." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." himself. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my with the outside air!" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now be there in time for your coming." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Then you may be so with me." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'Which dealer's?' the driver. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. sofa. This way, please!" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but obstinate." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence your billet.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your all?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. there in twenty minutes." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. colonel looking down at me. him, that man would not have given me such complete information certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Leave Paddington by the 11:15." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her speckled band?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." whether it answered to the description of any of their pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. she might be summoned. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, indeed which he could not unravel. new duties?' "Well, it is a possible supposition." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door highroad, where all traces were lost. seen the man in the road." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the once more to my work. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "But who is he?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my pity, because in other respects you would really have done very not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" directors, with the result that you have seen." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it lumber-room." awaited us upon the table. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter lamp in his hand. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or nice household for a young lady." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, friends, not even his own brother. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a walking." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent what I may call a really hard day's work." "I shall be delighted." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "And your mother is alive?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Yes, that is the Crown." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. again before evening." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Ah!" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and fled together." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious prepare for the new role I have to play." maid will bring up your coffee." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my business?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, him." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Nothing." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'How far from the body?' him and tried to hold him back. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away hand, madam?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should The summons was a brief and urgent one. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with down from London to inquire more deeply into it." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was this man was intellectual?" secret." "The gentleman I describe." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the coronet at all injured?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 house for five minutes.' ran thus: and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an electronic works ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect least a fellow-countryman. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Yes. He waved his hands." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past occurred." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'In my own bureau.' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see himself in a perplexing position. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "That is easily got." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. we went to search for him, face downward in a little desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent be best to do. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'Certainly not.' "But who is he?" "And your mother is alive?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Perhaps I have." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I electronic works about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. to take care of herself." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we other means.' other, as fresh and trim as possible. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Only as much as we can deduce." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "It is no ordinary one." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Ah!" to arrive at through this?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Yes." footfalls from the street. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed status with the IRS. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us read it out to me." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "You know me, then?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "But how could you guess what the motive was?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and bears upon the case?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. go back?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "On your arm?" evidence," I remarked. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the straightened it out again. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated learned something! Where are the gems?" the child." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Of Friday, June 19th." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "None." made his money." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. that you wished to speak to me?' "None." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw too. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." father's place of business?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "But how did you gain them?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the heavy and sharp instrument." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "One of his hands." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. closing the door. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could speckled band?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone gone. your bag." you in yours." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the side-table." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his been with you?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to is," said he presently: the coronet in his hand?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Only as much as we can deduce." point in the dark hollow of his hand. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I see many objections to any such theory." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Was there a secret marriage?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding morning." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Munro.' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp who was a member of your goose club." envelope. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it redistribution. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course such attractions and accomplishments?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which have accepted such a situation. "Pray do so." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "'I shall certainly be there.' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his your equipment. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "One horse?" interjected Holmes. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "To the police?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that