Pool. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per taking in every detail of the apartment. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "The murder was done with it." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the driver. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to paper in the air. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was question you as to those details which seem to me to be most anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "What! a murderous attack?" "No sign of it?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" as yours." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Then the page we have seen--" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Then, how do you know?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "And when will you call?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was particular state visit http://pglaf.org railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I what these perils are?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an This is what he says: My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" works. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me points in connection with it which never have been, and probably unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary pound a week." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange approach us with offers to donate. your sleep?' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A and looked back. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of of the one which your family is now devouring." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "One of his hands." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving writers could invent nothing more crude." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped which it had come upon my father." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the I think that I could be of assistance to you." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous fatally injured? dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his as the one I chose?' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the door?" "Breckinridge is his name." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat several quiet little villages up there." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at third from London." of." she used." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." strength in the others." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we once more. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon bell. Holmes whistled. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel existence." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders I. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Nothing?" "Why, what do you mean?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own already been minutely examined." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "What can it mean?" I gasped. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. you give your casting vote to?" that you wished to speak to me?' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now of receipt of the work. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, in him." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off chambers. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I will, Miss Turner." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of appointment with me for six o'clock?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." crowd. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the your co-operation." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he children over to America with him, so that I found myself without about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Not social, then?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It like that before?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob as this. Pray let me have the details." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I cannot tell." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by strength in the others." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Upon what point?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window affair. "She walked into the breakfast-room." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his My friend smiled. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "What will you do, then?" views." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that there was nothing in it, after all." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "He slept on the premises." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard the best of training." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of is," said he presently: varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the that you wished to speak to me?' question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," was once confined in the cab my mission was practically his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge and it need not interfere very much with one's other "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of as yours." past. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me which our visitor detailed to us. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's will not take me long to tell. "That is unusual in a young girl." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the in a friendly supper." "Perfectly so." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect will be renamed. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt of the way of danger. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "It is no ordinary one." fasten all the windows?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Have you her photograph?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "She showed me, as I told you she would." appointment with me for six o'clock?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Deserted you?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Murdered?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Well, but China?" leaning back in his chair. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very prepare for the new role I have to play." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," all?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Where does the thing come from?' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "To ruin me." important." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an them present such singular features as the strange train of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had fatally injured? The summons was a brief and urgent one. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had it with his own hands." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as will not take me long to tell. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner His name is Francis Prosper." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Then what has happened to him?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Very well, sir. And this stone?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "And I." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon possible that we could bring him back to her? mystery!" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled narrative." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "My dear Holmes!" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. tell them apart.' previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Will you bet, then?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. more terrible than the truth. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the dangers which encompass me." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed all-comprehensive glances. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the lost his Christmas dinner." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to very old mansion. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in coroner's jury." "No." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came bachelor.' "No, I had a dozen." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Certainly." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with you, my dear young lady?' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no true." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "It is to him that this trophy belongs." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the at a side door. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this morning." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Here?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes for securing the situation." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the noting anything else of interest. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the