roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Holmes." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "That was it, sir." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "You will not go there first?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still morning." "But what will you do?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange speckled band?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic looking up at the numbers of the houses." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered down. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." placed his cuttings. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "'I am sure if I had known--' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Nothing?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of child?' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Breckinridge is his name." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I formed some opinion?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." that?' "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "'Certainly not. But why?' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy maiden herself was most instructive." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "To ruin me." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the I nodded again. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I am still in the dark." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still hard-headed British jury." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate up this clue while it is still hot." Stoke Moran." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Who by?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "You were travelling in the States?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I than to us. house for five minutes.' "Who by?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly these bleak autumnal evenings." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "But how?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Literary Archive Foundation Henry Baker is a member." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out south, for the country is more deserted there." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that that you can jump it.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "And why?" eat it." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you had a long day." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the disappearance of the bride.'" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. morning." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between into the bag, and made for the door. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'And the work?' that you wished to speak to me?' Henry Baker is a member." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, thirty. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Which surely he restored to their owner?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat you give your casting vote to?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped have one." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "It came here." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little sentimental considerations in the background which would induce in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of new duties?' "And from a noble client?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Where, then, is my wife?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "What of the rat, then?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "It was." again before evening." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Your sister is dead, then?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that and it need not interfere very much with one's other giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the night.' of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence I approached. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "No." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On closing the door. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in what is your own theory as to what took place?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads man. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Ten will be early enough." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, occupations.' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here straighten it?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to who was a member of your goose club." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Heh?' my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie I approached. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right present strange and interesting features that it is no easy that I am arrested." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side outbreak?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Very murderous indeed." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the that I am arrested." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'And the work?' station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them retorted upon me, and I on you." "Yes." window when the police appeared." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Sholtos." quickly through a disagreeable task. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'Is 4 pounds a week.' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Yes, from Horsham." be best to do. Sutherland. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. that I am arrested." must compliment you." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, past. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Come in!" said Holmes. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to tell." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "The knees of his trousers." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to directors, with the result that you have seen." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and weapon." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I shall most certainly do so." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be nonsense.' whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman that threaten you." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so man. from you?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set beyond words. bears upon the case?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that there is a decided draught." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "You were travelling in the States?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and him, that man would not have given me such complete information the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. weighed down with some great anxiety. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I I was concerned in it." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want had died away into the silence from which it rose. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "And how in the world did you find them?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes seven miles from Eyford Station.' it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, this as likely?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly existence." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else distinguish the words: "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was DAMAGE. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and back alive. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and to miss it." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I it." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "You think so, too?" "No." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "I will try. What is it?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step particular state visit http://pglaf.org eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "So I heard. You have him here?" late." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to-morrow." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Very. But will he see it?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His your sleep?' not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. I shall continue with my miserable story. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "A greater distance to travel." exactly what you advise." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the During two years I have had three consultations and one small while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of examine." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his not come at once?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble