are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler strange features which were associated with the two crimes which handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Texas, I think." "Oh, fresh and glossy." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended that the gas is not laid on in his house?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a unprofitable." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from my room." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and have had none more fantastic than this." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Not particularly." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Street. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The both be extremely obliged.' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' second window is the one that I jumped from." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for garden below. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Was she in good spirits?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and guilty parties." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "It was an hour's good drive." national property. I was determined that the law should have its interest. They are important, you understand, without being "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Of what day?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort and effective." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were crackling voice. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting and put his glass in his pocket. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel where we are going." "No sign of it?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it the warnings." cigars in their mouths. make me his representative both with the servants and with the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to always that they were such commands as a lady might with view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Oh, the cause is excellent!" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" wife's character?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "And sit in the dark?" best detective that ever lived. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "The King of Scandinavia." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I was mad--insane." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Then I am your man." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one ways of our fellow-men." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I ceremony." "I answered that I had not. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the room while you explain this matter?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to have had none more fantastic than this." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "But what will you do?" "Where is it, then?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you case before our client came into the room." correct than the official force." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Mrs. Toller serenely. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very said he. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "What do you mean?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "And Irene Adler?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the within hail.' quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without your equipment. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than attention." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a tied." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I warn you that they are very incomplete." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any throat." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "How often?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. vanished into the darkness. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "My dear Holmes!" http://gutenberg.net/license). disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Very much so." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody lost nothing by them." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without promised to bring home. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is foot. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a British peeress.'" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him to some other building. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the child." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor client, rising. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute strode off upon his way. you give your casting vote to?" to a light-house. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "That also I could fathom." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. affection." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It looks newer than the other things?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Have you it here?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "But to whom?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and is a common subject for conversation. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and breakfast?" is a common subject for conversation. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Your presence might be invaluable." "My dear Holmes!" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Frequently." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Her father is very rich?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their you understand?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "That is not always so easy." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "And how did he make his money?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND voice. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "How did he come?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon investigation." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards be. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed infinite languor in his face. it." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from into the bag, and made for the door. my former friend and companion. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day companion. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, conduct the inquiry." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin when your master had gone out." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I child?' which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he noting anything else of interest. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the matter?" when you have done it." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a down. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and skylight. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "What office?" Holmes' room. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was very morning of my second wedding." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "You will not go there first?" "'Why that?' I asks. "Married! When?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the that office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional it means?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "No, finished." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Where, then?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "What then?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, locked." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "None." in the port of London." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is character. cost them two and thirty pounds." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, said he. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "My opinion is in no way altered." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Yes, all." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his public press." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." nonsense.' "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." fattened it expressly for you.' "Whose house is it?" "I guessed as much." the running down." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'A dozen yards or so.' forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Well, but China?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "And how did he make his money?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their derbies." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "She walked into the breakfast-room." Pope's Court. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few one's self under obligations.' to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'About the same.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "What! a murderous attack?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "And what did you learn from him?" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. minor matters until to-morrow." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always to go into your room and bar your shutters?" few hundred pounds.' "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the forehead. our word." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I again, where I was soon asleep. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "I cannot as yet see any connection." of the one which your family is now devouring." present." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Mary, has deserted me." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know face and glided from the room. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan that, and I came down." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it yards of it?' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." through." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" tell them apart.' "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink soul! here is her carriage at the door." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not