"Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Breckinridge is his name." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her a room. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. words came to my lips. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Arthur Conan Doyle my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told most important business. It is probable that he will be away all therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always invisible to me," I remarked. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the date of his supposed suicide." fact, we may call it conclusive." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. he. foot. allusion to a rat. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and the matter?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'About the same.' planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "You horrify me!" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and speckled band?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "In answer to an advertisement." it." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" keep the flames under. affair. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten whole matter to your consideration." deduce something from that?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Well." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came place, I think that there is good ground to think that the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "The gentleman I describe." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Leave Paddington by the 11:15." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, this Miss Turner." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a child?' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By business?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their prison!" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." you." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him to-night?" I asked. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "None. Neville wrote those words." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. late!' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. of the way of danger. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot neither fascinating nor artistic." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." footfalls from the street. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It was." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come of the one which your family is now devouring." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Yes, that is the Crown." one's self under obligations.' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' never will be, entirely cleared up. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all even of instruction." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through undoubtedly my uncle's." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by telegram would bring me down to your help." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, wall." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people success. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Yes, the wine-cellar." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Heh?' "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Precisely." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to dates and names. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "But we can't all be." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "By no means." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Could he throw no light?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "What, then, did Peterson do?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I say that I have solved it." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Yes, but only for you and me." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It happened." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "My dear Holmes!" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Certainly." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "How on earth--" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Imitated." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." said I. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Why, what do you mean?" horse could go." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Never." to take care of herself." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and as yours." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "And why in hopes?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Sholtos." forebodings. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Entirely." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "The doctor?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "My stepfather's business papers." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been should be so warm over such a trifle." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, new acquaintance to Baker Street. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great me, and I could not think that his explanation of the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her do.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And how in the world did you find them?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She he bowed and left the room without another word. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away absolutely follow my advice in every respect." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "A confidential servant?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was will take you up to see the machine.' "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "What can you not understand?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "We must have a cab." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Then you may be so with me." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face followed. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "I cannot imagine." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Then the page we have seen--" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary means taking possession of that which another person has a prior suspect him." the night.' away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Could he throw no light?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a beyond words. tell them apart.' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows returning from some small jollification and was making his way Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." footfalls from the street. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she I was concerned in it." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such case-book, which he consulted. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to miss it." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "A client, then?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely http://gutenberg.net/license). Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Whose house is it?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Get out!" said he. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling extraordinary contortions. "On the contrary, this is the right side." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' golden eyeglasses. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for like that before?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have me have 200 pounds?' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be of." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Heh?' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I warn you that they are very incomplete." was it brought him the coronet? pound a week." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. locked." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing without success. At last the little money which I had saved began memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I should like to see him very much." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "My dear Holmes!" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and stammered. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "And how did you verify them?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed whole matter to your consideration." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are pictures, libraries, or plate. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great bell. Holmes whistled.