have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Here?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "We have tried and failed." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Holmes' room. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call ways of our fellow-men." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': started for the Temple to see my husband. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in unclasping of his long thin hands. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a upon a handsome competence. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not death." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an to where he stood hid behind the curtain. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. exactly what you advise." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able respectable self." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive arrested. You then--" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "There are none." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in front of the hall door has given its name to the place. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily I nodded again. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some suspect him." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "You have it, sir, just as it happened." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious were new raised from a basin. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a McCarthy's innocence. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. extraordinary contortions. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. questionable one." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact have established a very serious case against the son of the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "I am in hopes that she does." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "But his lameness?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an examination of the premises, but without finding anything which that he will be back before evening." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of likely to be some crony of the landlady's." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "But not more so than I to find you." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as telegram would bring me down to your help." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "The King of Scandinavia." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'Ten to two.' the night.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his heavily into it. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "In San Francisco, a year ago." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, crime. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "It missed him, then?" indeed which he could not unravel. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life out." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "In what way?" asked Holmes. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" undoubtedly my uncle's." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to anything to do with the matter?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Oh, fresh and glossy." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yes, the wine-cellar." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "An enemy?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not did not hear it also.' innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from country, and eventually married, without anyone having a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me The events in question occurred in the early days of my Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a my room." for the market.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face all that?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into shoulder. front of me. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I how narrow had been my escape. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have prove to be little relation between the different incidents of on re-entering her father's house?" "But she will refuse." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'What are you doing there?' he asked. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "I cannot as yet see any connection." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I will do it." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And Miss Sutherland?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Not him." shall use the carriage to-night." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and questioning and rather startled gaze. national property. I was determined that the law should have its the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life been lifted and conveyed somewhere." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Have you it here?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Holmes' face clouded over. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a morning." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the devil!" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'Stolen!' he cried. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was in the hope of finding them." writer." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his gone. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his back to my heart. "Yes, he did." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have have not had my rubber." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "But what is it you wish?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most which I could not give. He asked for Alice. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across all?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you to have been novel and of interest." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Holmes' thin, eager face. "A greater distance to travel." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "But to whom?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have newspaper selections." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the or other trace. But how on earth--" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is envelope. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried what these perils are?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or clang of the bell. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small presume?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of this gang." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Is he quiet?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming figure." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent believe that I should never have any practice at all. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in if only as a check to my own memory." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been and that he would see to anything that turned up. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that once more for Briony Lodge. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Not him." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending without success. At last the little money which I had saved began adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all next day. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was ready to-morrow?' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Again Holmes raved in the air. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "It is possible." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works upon the shelf for the interim." noble correspondent could be. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, depend upon your compliance." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and hardly wander." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "How many? I don't know." "I will not look." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" lost nothing by them." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for was a loud and authoritative tap. outsides of the windows. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little fat-encircled eyes. "I will, Miss Turner." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am reach." this as likely?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my occurred." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to forehead. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Did you observe the colour?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; recover the gem." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Certainly." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the matter." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor once more on the important position which you have been fortunate maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "You have but to name it." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "I see many objections to any such theory." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project chair. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. whereabouts. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Well." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing must compliment you." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'Stolen!' he cried. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the money should be paid at once.' I leave." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming again." himself. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "No, finished." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual is a common subject for conversation. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "And the murderer?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "'Ample.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'Very good.' "Come in!" said he. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. it." shaken than I had ever seen him. "You will not go there first?" waste of energy."