"Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged telegram would bring me down to your help." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Was the window open?" and the whole place is in a blaze." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have business." rose-bushes. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Will you go?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to your only hope of safety." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." photograph?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "And your mother is alive?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the very morning of the wedding." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come situation." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." made his money." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Then, as to money?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your persecution?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age into the room. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant sit on the left-hand side of the driver." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. coat-tails." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and guilty parties." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they you give your casting vote to?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a within hail.' deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Who was the criminal, then?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "My own seal." "Then he might have called to you?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress clang of the bell. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were neither fascinating nor artistic." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "And I." as the one I chose?' very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were have established a very serious case against the son of the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "But how did you gain them?" desk. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Yes, from Horsham." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "The rest you will leave in our hands." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I say it is." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and individual and becomes the badge of a society." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but here and I will read it to you: "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my place no limit on the sum I may draw." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in II. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Yes." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Not in the least." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I was it brought him the coronet? remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife asked. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife instituted." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Munro.' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when think you a quite exceptional woman." that he will be back before evening." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the article?" IS notes," he said. "I should be immensely obliged to you." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Nothing?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent had died away into the silence from which it rose. undoubtedly my uncle's." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the States. "And what then?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the iron safe, which he closed upon it. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Sutherland?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his disappearance of these gems?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I instituted." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the had formerly been in part my own. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I was certainly surprised to find you there." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I was afraid that you were engaged." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and it need not interfere very much with one's other fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then something of him before." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "What, then, did Peterson do?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "We were both in the photograph." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the in my life." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." him and tried to hold him back. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I am still in the dark." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Where did he live, then?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few who was a member of your goose club." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. an introduction to him?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and glanced through. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly and wait." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking said I. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, look upon these things in a different way." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then strength in the others." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to passage and a tap at the door. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a three of the beryls in it, was missing. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the than was visible to me." "I will try. What is it?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your of the efforts of the United States government and of the better carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Never to return." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of constraint." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "The Cedars?" enter into my head. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all returned to France?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Very. But will he see it?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. photograph?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I From what you have told me I think that it is possible that morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always them?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual opened the door, and slipped through. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce himself to hunt down. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other likely to be some crony of the landlady's." get the tickets." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. drove away. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a I nodded again. as noiselessly as she had come. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'And the work?' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "It looks newer than the other things?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his silent! Oh, he will be silent!' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place have got?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Farm upon the left." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "How do you know, then?" occupations.' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." happened." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "But what will you do?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the there." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "What office?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "10th. John Swain cleared. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the him." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "And that is--" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and I shall be with you presently." "Did your wife hear all this?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as on re-entering her father's house?" Where does the thing come from?' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Yes, I have one waiting." "And is that all?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal his fortune, and I went back to pa. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Very murderous indeed." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'You cannot say what it was?' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a