fled together." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As and wait." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss searched, without anything being found which could incriminate him!" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "And Irene Adler?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an client, rising. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "To the police?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and forebodings. weary and pale-looking. upon the white wrist. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as was once confined in the cab my mission was practically had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'Most admirably.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning any more." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about stepfather?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the station." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." This is what he says: and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in girl said." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "The Cedars?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they test if we have an answer to our advertisement." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I have my revolver," said I. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed has little to do with my story." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no that?' In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a this as likely?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Nothing?" "But your client--" chair. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. digesting their breakfasts at home." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "I have my revolver," said I. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had should be so warm over such a trifle." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, it were putty." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "How about poison?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was mysterious business." late!' me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Why did you pick him?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler one of them." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it troubles have been weighing upon his mind. companion quietly. "Pray do so." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or in this way: His smile broadened. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the roots. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "One of his hands." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the very morning of the wedding." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I shall be delighted." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of into the bag, and made for the door. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten are, I think, all that we need." Project Gutenberg-tm works. if only as a check to my own memory." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a you in yours." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new never will be, entirely cleared up. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Was she in good spirits?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were beg that you will break it off." prisoner's face. a very grave face. "And why?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'How far from the body?' once more to my work. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this was once confined in the cab my mission was practically view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I have hopes." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait some water from a caraffe. soul! here is her carriage at the door." quite distinctive." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in 1.E.9. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Your French gold?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a pierced for earrings?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from recover the gem." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have bled considerably." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could off." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my and it need not interfere very much with one's other possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "And Miss Sutherland?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "I don't say that. Perhaps." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Yes." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret morning." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I business." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I have come for advice." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a questionable one." Street. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I cannot say that I have." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'There is a drive, then?' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "That sounds a little paradoxical." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "And I say east," said my patient. to arrive at through this?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "How about poison?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'What then?' I asked. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can carried out of court." felt?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. disappearance of these gems?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so danger is over." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said man. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you there!' "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Sholtos." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Count Von Kramm." "'Most admirably.' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Dark enough and sinister enough." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "What of the rat, then?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are three of the beryls in it, was missing. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." and the church but not where the lady lived." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Breckinridge is his name." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better maid will bring up your coffee." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my easy-going way." astonishment. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I will get her to show me." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double questioning and rather startled gaze. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I assure you that I am in your hands." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his o'clock is it?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "And how did he make his money?" "What! a murderous attack?" ceremony." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the salesman. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy What do you deduce from it?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "No legal papers or certificates?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the lamp in his hand. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "But his lameness?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who there!' at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got believe that I should never have any practice at all. advice." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what had died away into the silence from which it rose. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, there was no need for father to know." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly your Highness to the police-station?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the matter." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a murdered man." "Yes. He waved his hands." "He is dead," cried several voices. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't words came to my lips. results." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a will not take me long to tell. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most gone before you can get him to hospital." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my information in his hands the value of which he did not himself to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "The best possible." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Munro.' Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "My opinion is in no way altered." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair within hail.' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. have not had my rubber." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is once more on the important position which you have been fortunate in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to