presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my away in different directions, and I went off to make my own last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to miss it." father's young wife. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'It is locked up,' I answered. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and will not take me long to tell. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "At what time?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I down. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even at a side door. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And that before taking the final step I should like to submit the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to jewels which you have stolen?' "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Yes, certainly." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has respectable self." better grown goose." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the coronet at all injured?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the dangers which encompass me." towards the blaze. photograph?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when as he folded up the epistle. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" sneer upon his pale face. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "I do." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, ventilator." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden have accepted such a situation. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "What is it?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which IS abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." she might be summoned. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man simple cases which are so extremely difficult." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: man. I know him from the photograph." ashen face. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection his fortune, and I went back to pa. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, thin legs towards the fire. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six meant." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Oh, yes, easily." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "What can it mean?" I gasped. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to this Miss Turner." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has strength in the others." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'How far from the body?' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists are, and they are waiting for us." "What, then, did Peterson do?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair the best of training." "No." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, bare slabs of marble. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Of what?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, had this final quarrel? although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town where we are going." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored in the hope of finding them." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out room. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her helping a boy to put up the shutters. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" evidence," I remarked. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'Not at all. I only doubt--' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the father's young wife. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his comes from the middle window." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he her also." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this your bag." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I cannot think." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer which was all perfectly true. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my is acting for the best. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your undoubtedly my uncle's." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point hurried away. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." IS IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." appeal." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an James Windibank. Voilà tout!" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "'Ten to two.' foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "You horrify me." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt it right.' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about constraint." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the which was all perfectly true. Leadenhall Street--and--" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, bachelor.' reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. papers on the sundial.'" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "And did you observe any change in her then?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly was not a bird to be seen there. habit of advancing money.' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my we went to search for him, face downward in a little purpose of examination. "What will you do, then?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we it. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was as noiselessly as she had come. exactly what you advise." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Countess of Morcar's?" "That is not always so easy." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is charged with?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair hour?' questioning and rather startled gaze. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was populous neighbourhood." must compliment you." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the was a lad." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from IS "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, miles off. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "When did she vanish, then?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "No, but the enclosure is." fashion which was peculiar to him. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. all that?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental call it cruel." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the lumber-room." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Then you may be so with me." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay you?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this flock.' it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is said he at last. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them take the flies, but not before." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, ago." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the dates and names. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main over with notes and figures. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "What then?" do.' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who have not had my rubber." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND stammered. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said useful material for showing traces. The double line a little knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "That is not always so easy." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The chill to my heart. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Always." "But I am all in the dark." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church.