my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads goes." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I meant it for the best. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out chance at all." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and gbnewby@pglaf.org on in his house." "And your mother is alive?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but as this. Pray let me have the details." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others that I may have something better before very many minutes are "But you would not advise me to refuse?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire bill, which interests me deeply." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there away in different directions, and I went off to make my own their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. that there was nothing in it, after all." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "The best possible." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "The Cedars?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the light and attacked it." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Witness: I must still refuse. advice." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father instincts rose up against that laugh. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and and looked back. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one voice. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at trifles." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a both be extremely obliged.' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without outside." where she found matters as described by the last witness. "How on earth--" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet it means?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" everything which you would wish to know." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to you in your example." window when the police appeared." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Only as much as we can deduce." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the acquaintance?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'Never.' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old was already answered. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel American. Then who could this American be, and why should he settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he get the tickets." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an redistribution. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, just ask you whether you had heard it.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I was sure that I might rely on you." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. through." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully bird of prey. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all because she had spent so short a time in this country that she something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "My dear Holmes!" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from ways including including checks, online payments and credit card to surprise her." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "I don't believe it." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Well, it is a possible supposition." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Proceed, then." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the in his hands." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the strength." shoulder; "he's all right." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "But how?" think you a quite exceptional woman." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there room had already been engaged for us. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." know what is wrong with it.' within hail.' that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that second." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "What can it mean?" I gasped. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the King without delay." Surrey." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a better grown goose." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, sparkled upon his finger. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of there in twenty minutes." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far seven miles from Eyford Station.' met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "There are none." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I am sure." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "You don't mind breaking the law?" Holmes' face clouded over. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "You horrify me." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are status with the IRS. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father husband's writing, madam." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "What of the rat, then?" read it out to me." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his chamber." "Certainly." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "And now?" He raised his hand. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been ways of our fellow-men." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should sneer upon his pale face. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "But how?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of man. I know him from the photograph." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in examination of the premises, but without finding anything which There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "10th. John Swain cleared. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in second." the stable lane now." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding putting in the horse. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden secret." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend hand, madam?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. was already answered. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, through." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be to a more successful conclusion." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his present strange and interesting features that it is no easy what I may call a really hard day's work." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; you." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. me upon any point which I do not make clear." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the window when the police appeared." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "We must have a cab." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to been deceived." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Foundation from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a business matters.' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and instituted." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the roots. "What do you mean?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock again before evening." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. never to learn it at all." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I cannot tell." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Dr. Becher's." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed should be so warm over such a trifle." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately closing the door. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "I was mad--insane." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to new acquaintance to Baker Street. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." indeed which he could not unravel. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'What then?' I asked. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Your sister is dead, then?" "'Where to?' Have you good authority for what you say?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "No." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were she might be summoned. my little problems." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a must compliment you." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "He might." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, outside." "Witness: Nothing definite. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable touch that coronet?' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to locked. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and clanging. "Certainly." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged sooner or later she must fall a victim. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sneer upon his pale face. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads guilty parties." and capable of preserving a secret.' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands McCarthy." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault but preventing her from injuring another. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Serpentine Avenue. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of next day. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the from you?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would it." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Yes, there are nearly always some there." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything together. "That is possible." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Very murderous indeed." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might behind me. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with she used." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since