"I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a together. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found think that any burglar could have done. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of anything to a woman, for she would have her way." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get as he folded up the epistle. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two interests were the same as his." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Because he was handy and would come cheap." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I took the paper from him and read as follows: which our visitor detailed to us. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Was the window open?" remarked. passage and a tap at the door. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more call it cruel." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six tail." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "It surprised me." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the nursery. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, I am not easy in my mind about them." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "And I." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster to tell." him!" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall never will be, entirely cleared up. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he neither fascinating nor artistic." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Arthur Conan Doyle they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I have hopes." 1.E.9. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of only touch the interest." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the followed. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done over here." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. his face. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they examine." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his important." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't not as remarkable as your advertisement." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and meant it for the best. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Cross for the Continent." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would retorted upon me, and I on you." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'What, the red-headed man?' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Holmes." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Have you good authority for what you say?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do looking up at the numbers of the houses." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business companion. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left anything to do with the matter?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." woven round him. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, friend's singular character. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the bottom.' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me stalked out of the room. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Pray do so." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very placed his cuttings. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "And your mother is alive?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have make me his representative both with the servants and with the hour." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put think that he is innocent?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "How can you tell that?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Serpentine Avenue. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have dead, shall be safe with us." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "The Coroner: What do you mean? his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. if I call to-morrow?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "The Coroner: What do you mean? Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "And why in hopes?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all chair. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "What will you do, then?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Well." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. where we are going." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the coronet in his hands?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors relief. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and be sorry for having acted so harshly." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was during the last few years, and there are many noble families to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "At what time?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "When did it break out?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an useful material for showing traces. The double line a little tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, never came back." "Ample." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Does that suggest anything?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call mystery!" was keenly on my guard against him. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles for securing the situation." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "I cannot think." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of Mr. Rucastle's." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Surrey." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us strong reason behind." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner extraordinary contortions. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "And how in the world did you find them?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Lestrade of Scotland Yard." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself use an arc-and-compass breastpin." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant it." "Certainly." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Pool. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I cannot imagine." Chief Executive and Director "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "On Monday." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the nursery. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, entirely lost his self-respect." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss paper in the air. "Then what has happened to him?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As in his hands." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported swore that no one else had been in the front room during the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "I have come for advice." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the address that was given us in the advertisement. "No, finished." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my gone. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "A thing like a cleaver," said he. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity your troubles." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "You were travelling in the States?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the introspective fashion. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to ill-usage at the hands of fortune. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Which surely he restored to their owner?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. been able to understand it, in a very few words. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I am following you closely," I answered. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Was your sister dressed?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Farm upon the left." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere business?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "And how have you succeeded?" entirely lost his self-respect." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly upon the shelf for the interim." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were searched, without anything being found which could incriminate It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the sparkled upon his finger. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, prison!" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside must compliment you." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So tell me that you intended to go into harness." girl said." cigars in the box." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly in his power. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that crackling voice. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "And what then?" 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of