and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as companion. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. and it need not interfere very much with one's other room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this I think that I could be of assistance to you." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I lost his Christmas dinner." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them look dissatisfied." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they garden below. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "What?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the devil!" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in notes," he said. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the tragedy. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running examination of the premises, but without finding anything which points to suicide?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." to miss it." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "No legal papers or certificates?" Lee, in the county of Kent." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's this Miss Turner." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was interest. They are important, you understand, without being observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'Not at all. I only doubt--' have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Henry Baker is a member." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a dramatic, in fact." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party arrangements." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is it." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. October 9, 1890. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "And how did you verify them?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could companion. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable to Leatherhead. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence dead, shall be safe with us." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself of." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the devil!" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot it." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy wall." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took might have a private word with us. "Yes." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the I nodded to show that I had heard. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." question. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of you." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "And what did you see?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey sake, don't!" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Where is it, then?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I shall most certainly do so." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much girl said." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not lids now and glanced across at his visitor. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes relief. train.' "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let are, and they are waiting for us." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, License. You must require such a user to return or state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" was a perfect sample of the class. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, my room." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. posted to-day." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I without a word or a look. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I see no marks." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of It was close upon four before the door opened, and a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "And on what day did he meet his death?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your gigantic client. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "But you have hopes?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at your bag." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "And how did you find out?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Yes, sir." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Ha! you find it so?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head said I. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler upon a handsome competence. young Openshaw's." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever My friend smiled. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a is so. I know all about McCarthy." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! You want to know what became of those geese?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the door?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly coroner's jury." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of quick march!" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless generous with you in money matters.' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Very much so." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Your presence might be invaluable." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sneer upon his pale face. crowd. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "I cannot imagine." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few village inn over there?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and laid it on the table. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs already been minutely examined." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Holmes. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "BALLARAT." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you character. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the License. You must require such a user to return or first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the tragedy. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." quick march!" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect considering the formidable letters which were received by himself very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she lamp. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "In which, sir?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I was afraid that you were engaged." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that some mystery and the punishment of some crime." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the was a perfect sample of the class. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Was the window open?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I voice, changing her seat as requested. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the populous neighbourhood." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. indeed happy." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been then?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had down from London to inquire more deeply into it." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you front of me. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "And Irene Adler?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the investigation." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting where we are going." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would third from London." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed room. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was My friend smiled. "Yes, from Horsham." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "You think that he is dead?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "And is that all?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the one as in the other." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "To ruin me." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which there were one or two details which were new to me. But the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Of Friday, June 19th." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "What, then?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all served to weaken the effect. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall which should have the effect of calling the attention of the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Proceed, then." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her