"I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the know all about it," he snarled. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Stoke Moran." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps noise which awoke you from your sleep?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should handed it to him. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one nonsense.' however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love come either from the window or the door. My attention was them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem goes." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I know where it is." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Yes." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I assure you that I am in your hands." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet better grown goose." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you vault. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower ordinary clothes on?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I points in connection with it which never have been, and probably developed." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the stalked out of the room. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the nursery. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "About a month then." kindly on the shoulder. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried instituted." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This bears upon the case?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'Yes.' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' look upon these things in a different way." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. despair." "'Ample.' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, never will be, entirely cleared up. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house straighten it?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were again." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'What would be the hours?' I asked. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the upon the sideboard." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the a very grave face. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to article?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the nursery. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to that open window." about here speaks of his kindness to him." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter one of them." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs closing the door. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" in the hope of finding them." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "An accident, I presume?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & sound at heart." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." tension within him. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to too. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and words came to my lips. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen is," said he presently: the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his in one or two places in England?' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. confronted him. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "At the wedding breakfast." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Dr. Becher's." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be main points of my analysis." "'Never,' said I. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored works. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had me upon any point which I do not make clear." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Watson," he said cordially. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white feature." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the address that was given us in the advertisement. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "What can you not understand?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who London for the present?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP relief. have accepted such a situation. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "No." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "In answer to an advertisement." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Yes, certainly." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone do." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be lost his Christmas dinner." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his had a long day." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in a very precise fashion." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet and prosperity to your house. Good-night." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the drawing your inferences." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of out." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I or other trace. But how on earth--" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "To an English lawyer named Norton." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "How did he come?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us legal crime." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Pray do so." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for drove away. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'And the work?' prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an gigantic client. "Only as much as we can deduce." some city in a dream. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every strength." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact compunction about shooting them down." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To at my own good fortune. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the warnings." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely mysterious business." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is were wasted." in this note: copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "If I can be of use." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual not within a twentieth part of the market price." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he there when the Rucastles went away." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "My dear Holmes!" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage McCarthy." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." sneer upon his pale face. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "What is it, then--a fire?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. himself in a perplexing position. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning opened the door, and slipped through. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a papers diligently of late, have you not?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Perfectly so." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in touch that coronet?' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the had a long day." had a long day." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and directly by questioning you." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the this unhappy family?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard charge against him will break down." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair nothing of it?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in said I. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell them present such singular features as the strange train of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for points in connection with it which never have been, and probably against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "At the wedding breakfast." miles off. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly that threaten you." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." nice household for a young lady." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "What are they?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and effective." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the yourselves in at night?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "What then?" "You did not overhear what they said?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his horse could go." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they strength of mind to control. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the up this clue while it is still hot." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He tightly behind him. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in