out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "And what then?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Very much so." "What have you to say now?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' could not have written that. It is the German who is so appeared upon the scene." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was records." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in beyond words. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." I shall continue with my miserable story. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, know that the truth is known." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. this unhappy family?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has the armchair which I pushed forward for him. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. throat." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the business." "Precisely." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, when your master had gone out." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg even of instruction." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "But you were on a friendly footing?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "She showed me, as I told you she would." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the cigar and let me expound." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. fatally injured? which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Farm upon the left." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was completely overtopped every other consideration that we both from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey London for the present?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "My Mary? Impossible!" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was was already answered. "That is possible." the roots. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "What, then?" instituted." cheerful." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came coroner's jury." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the a room. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us upon an income of about 60 pounds." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, little adventures." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Of Friday, June 19th." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "This photograph!" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. handed it to him. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the King without delay." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently you in your example." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "So I heard. You have him here?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the directly by questioning you." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me least a most suspicious remark." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I will do it." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "I would pay ten." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "And now?" He raised his hand. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside is four-and-twenty." "Yes, he did." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" were unconscious?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must stammered. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to be best to do. "Look there!" said he. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried upon the white wrist. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the believe that I should never have any practice at all. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the room while you explain this matter?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Countess of Morcar's?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with which are rolled in Rotterdam." morning." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "A confidential servant?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the of the way of danger. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very gone. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive useful material for showing traces. The double line a little and no precautions can guard against." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing you came in." is worth.' send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Arthur Conan Doyle Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished never will be, entirely cleared up. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Sutherland. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "The doctor?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Not in the least." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "And you can do nothing until then?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Breckinridge is his name." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "But the mystery?" out." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had minor matters until to-morrow." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this you in yours." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there hurried away. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that maid will bring up your coffee." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the inner apartment." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'Which dealer's?' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "And I to find an enemy." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous any." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," grasp, he hurried from the room. whereabouts. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "It missed him, then?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, with you alone." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'I am sure that I do not know.' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "May I see it?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Very. But will he see it?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, orange pips. hardly wander." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, entirely devoid of interest." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "He disappeared so suddenly." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'And what salary do you ask?' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform John Swain, of St. Augustine. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Holmes. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I have my revolver," said I. seem to you to be relevant or not." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Ah!" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "No." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I and all of them with the keenest interest. "Will you go?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is is entirely a question of barometric pressure." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his walking." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would noting anything else of interest. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner just ask you whether you had heard it.' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "What will you do, then?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we like gravel from a pit.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Pool. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the I have it here in my museum." nonsense.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Yes. He waved his hands." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat this unhappy family?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and her also." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "I am all attention, madam." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Yes, but only for you and me." "How do you know, then?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used all-comprehensive glances. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But murdered man." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Oh, fresh and glossy." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "But what will you do?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Nothing." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You threw himself down with his face to the pillow. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Holmes rather sternly. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Eh? What was that?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird article?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied