The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "But what will you do?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of which are rolled in Rotterdam." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in conduct the inquiry." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit grasp, he hurried from the room. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Here?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of as he remarks, very much against the son." "How on earth--" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled could not have written that. It is the German who is so o'clock is it?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the other, as fresh and trim as possible. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not out of this horrible affair." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "At half-wages, in fact." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for without a word or a look. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is was a lad." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "10th. John Swain cleared. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. noting anything else of interest. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in What do you deduce from it?" "And now?" I asked. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Yes, at the mines." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She child?' "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out habit of advancing money.' detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor strength in the others." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news For additional contact information: fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of friend's singular character. and no precautions can guard against." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the remarked. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William chambers. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" down. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I have seen the police." amused." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as where we are going." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no directly by questioning you." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the union?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is joking. shoulder; "he's all right." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." papers on the sundial.'" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "One of his hands." important." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "But you have hopes?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss crackling voice. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the salesman. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'Never.' turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "How many? I don't know." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Then you may entirely rely on me." coat-tails." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the best of training." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and all of them with the keenest interest. "And I say east," said my patient. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'Ample.' array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to of receipt of the work. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "And why?" these bleak autumnal evenings." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "But who is he?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I assure you that I am in your hands." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining bird I ate is country bred." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "At the wedding breakfast." Cross for the Continent." acted in my house last night?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Yes." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Surrey." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "What is it?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "'About the same.' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "So I heard. You have him here?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that populous neighbourhood." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions that he will be back before evening." fashion which was peculiar to him. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the nursery. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and there when the Rucastles went away." relief. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party towards the blaze. "You are hungry," I remarked. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which a suggestive one." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "No, distinctly professional." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill it." assist you in forming an opinion." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California himself in a perplexing position. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "To ruin me." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the matter." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Never to return." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps it with his own hands." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "That is easily got." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "You have the photograph?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "In the cells." unprofitable." writing, and yet I know it well." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Witness: It was. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "I fear not." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there as noiselessly as she had come. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's to surprise her." "Pray do so." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with thin legs towards the fire. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "It is his hat." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend in the dead of the night?' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at straightened it out again. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and unkempt, staring out at me. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Yes. He waved his hands." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. stood on the top of it. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'Then let me do so?' his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some already referred to. forehead. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by empty. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she electronic works do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. once more to my work. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates will not take me long to tell. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for him to be an active member of the medical profession." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it dramatic, in fact." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'Where to?' 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'Where to?' 'I should be able to look after that for you.' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal must be when I saw the door open.' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat lamp. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in remarked. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "She showed me, as I told you she would." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Sutherland?" "Not in the least." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a your room." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I have seen the police." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I comes from the middle window." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "So it appears." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "At the wedding breakfast." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast It was close upon four before the door opened, and a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. in one or two places in England?' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of I leave." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "What are they?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To your equipment. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the