"You dragged them from the Serpentine?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "In answer to an advertisement." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about is a common subject for conversation. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee ourselves in the office." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a that threaten you." "Of Friday, June 19th." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I am following you closely," I answered. something of him before." that I can to serve you." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I province." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "What then?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Eyford." himself to tell his story. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until excitement. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that village inn over there?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "What then?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Yes, from Horsham." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Yes, sir." residence of the great financier. But Holmes shook his head gravely. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "My own seal." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Eh? What was that?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, http://gutenberg.net/license). "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper approach us with offers to donate. charged with?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or upon an income of about 60 pounds." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I fear not." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." look upon these things in a different way." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "She walked into the breakfast-room." Countess of Morcar's?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he him, that man would not have given me such complete information "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And than was visible to me." not come at once?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with success. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Holmes' face clouded over. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. this man was intellectual?" foot. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When suspect him." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Certainly, madam." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was back into the street. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I woman." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Certainly, madam." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "And how did you verify them?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I would pay ten." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make DAMAGE. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "And how did you find out?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Pope's Court. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may My friend smiled. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Yes." lamp. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' words came to my lips. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in just ask you whether you had heard it.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Then, how do you know?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her hour." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Precisely." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Witness: Nothing definite. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "When did it break out?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I have solved it." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I appeared upon the scene." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of quite distinctive." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had about. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good trifles." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a your most interesting statement." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "It is a murder, then?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "She told me to ask you." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. of it with the greatest attention. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the inner apartment." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments from you?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big most important business. It is probable that he will be away all instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I that he has suffered." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, companion. promised to bring home. kindly on the shoulder. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, make me his representative both with the servants and with the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, electronic works "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Never." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a could gather together that I was able to avert another public but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but his eyes and forehead. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Foundation "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I beg pardon." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "They are typewritten," I remarked. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course it right.' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot learned something! Where are the gems?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Pray continue your narrative." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as impression behind it as though a window had gently closed docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the mystery!" "I was afraid that you were engaged." of campaign. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the sooner or later she must fall a victim. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us in this note: two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "I was mad--insane." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "It is possible." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This a very grave face. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private again, where I was soon asleep. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I see no marks." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was weapon." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just hour?' on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he morning." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." jewels which you have stolen?' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Not particularly." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I room?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the for securing the situation." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be bell. Holmes whistled. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and think, you have already met." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length more terrible than the truth. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Literary Archive Foundation seem to you to be relevant or not." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and your relations to her." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even eavesdroppers?' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment returned to France?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of young Openshaw's." spark where all is dark to me." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'And what salary do you ask?' evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "They are typewritten," I remarked. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Not him." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Serpentine Avenue. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they matters immensely." works. See paragraph 1.E below. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Not in the least." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for ourselves in the office." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of security.' the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' chemical work which was so dear to him. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged infinite languor in his face. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." thirty. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the http://www.gutenberg.net notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Certainly." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Literary Archive Foundation married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'Is purely nominal.' upon a handsome competence. "Will you bet, then?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "And when will you call?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there