"Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Was there a secret marriage?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my information in his hands the value of which he did not himself disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "There are none." introspective fashion. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat always that they were such commands as a lady might with police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "To ruin me." "But I am all in the dark." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks lumber-room." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and and your relations to her." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's out of this horrible affair." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Then you may be so with me." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a hands. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I think it very unlikely." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and felt the room to be a little close.' not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "One?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, gone. to his chemical studies. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of stalked out of the room. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond is a common subject for conversation. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" like gravel from a pit.' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Sholtos." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'In my own bureau.' "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Then, how do you know?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the fasten all the windows?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "The landlord of the Alpha." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in down in his armchair and closing his eyes. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more see me here to avoid scandal." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled fattened it expressly for you.' "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Yes, it would be as well." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church My friend smiled. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I was mad--insane." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her been deceived." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Entirely." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the quite distinctive." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever ill-usage at the hands of fortune. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I am following you closely," I answered. me." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a charge against him will break down." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled acquaintance?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. question," said Holmes, smiling. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he 1.F. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the to his chemical studies. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of occupations.' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "And who is her maid?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'Yes, sir.' collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for closing the door. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and upon a handsome competence. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "A client, then?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress quick march!" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence I nodded to show that I had heard. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of have one." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a forecastle of an emigrant ship. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the I nodded again. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "A call for help, you thought?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "By train from Waterloo." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project she to prove their authenticity?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening wedding?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "No, I am descending." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had help us in this matter." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the King without delay." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon noble correspondent could be. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter client, rising. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar present." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which might have a private word with us. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Oh, yes, easily." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes be best to do. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I developed." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "May I see it?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I place of silver." "A confidential servant?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Eyford at 11:15.' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Watson," he said cordially. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it come either from the window or the door. My attention was here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else conclusions. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "That is unusual in a young girl." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice a little more before I quite committed myself. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I stalked out of the room. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I there!' place of silver." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." acted in my house last night?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." address. might have a private word with us. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "No legal papers or certificates?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Then what has happened to him?" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "I am to be neutral?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt lost nothing by them." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Do you know him?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "No." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An in darkness. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the sake, don't!" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. spare." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but could go. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I see no marks." "It is his hat." said he at last. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Street. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that it with his own hands." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As do.' chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us kindly on the shoulder. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could wedding?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Witness: I must still refuse. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly most interesting one." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and locked. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Then he might have called to you?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "And you can do nothing until then?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. do you make of it all?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined you for a few hours?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. what these perils are?" is acting for the best. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two giving me time to thank him. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all because she had spent so short a time in this country that she what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At round with crates and massive boxes. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the hardly wander." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "What! You do not mean bodies?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised