in. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "My opinion is in no way altered." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "What then?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Holmes' face clouded over. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless should be so warm over such a trifle." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best detective. just ask you whether you had heard it.' the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "But how did you gain them?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the will be renamed. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that indiscretion." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Foundation know what is wrong with it.' "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that should be taken.' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Do you know him?" an introduction to him?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and paper in the air. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a note?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "How can you tell that?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he sofa. This way, please!" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from tassel actually lying upon the pillow. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason entirely lost his self-respect." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower do.' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United strong reason behind." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "A call for help, you thought?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real I leave." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind notes," he said. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Of what?" train.' annoyance, but no jest. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "You have a clue?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen was used.' the roots. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have one." derbies." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Yes, I have one waiting." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham deduce something from that?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have chance." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Married! When?" "Yes, that is the Crown." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when business matters.' 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged you." were wasted." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor criminal. We have already had experience of such." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her passage and a tap at the door. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet narrative." "I am about to be married." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of get the tickets." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "I cannot tell." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "What, then?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the laugh and put his lips to my ear. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses that I am arrested." your equipment. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the papers on the sundial.'" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I weighed down with some great anxiety. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Quite so. She has her freedom." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to affect your life." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Certainly." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Where, then?" "Certainly." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "In answer to an advertisement." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when disappearance of these gems?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am we went to search for him, face downward in a little transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get people in all walks of life. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Pray do so." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. will be renamed. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "What, then?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." of it with the greatest attention. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, himself in a perplexing position. "Absolutely none." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "How are you getting on?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered stalked out of the room. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." chemical work which was so dear to him. "Could he throw no light?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Arthur Conan Doyle distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus ready to-morrow?' which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing least a most suspicious remark." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the purpose equally well?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are drove away. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I don't believe it." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed to-night's adventure." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of bill, which interests me deeply." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very likely to be some crony of the landlady's." suspect him." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "But it has twice been burgled." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Precisely." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "And you don't know his address?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the outside. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by said he. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the been able to understand it, in a very few words. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in name is different." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My and all of them with the keenest interest. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'Certainly not.' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me behind me. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "It certainly sounds feasible." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Then, how do you know?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I beg that you will break it off." better grown goose." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "What, then, did Peterson do?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "I see many objections to any such theory." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with charge against him will break down." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "And why in hopes?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his wedding?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a question," said Holmes, smiling. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In it right.' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep client, rising. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent disappearance of these gems?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and fait accompli?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears families. Now for the facts. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "The vanishing of the lady." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Yes, from Horsham." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Yes. He waved his hands." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Dirty?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by to arrive at through this?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "So I have heard." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt cigar and let me expound." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "By all means." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Nothing?" province." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Her father is very rich?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." occurred." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a heavy and sharp instrument." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Entirely." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you lectures into a series of tales." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself again before evening." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. gone. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to But Holmes shook his head gravely. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets straightened it out again. "Yes, certainly." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." peculiar to him. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. may never be exposed to such a temptation." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction there in twenty minutes." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he bill, which interests me deeply." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the