"Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. several quiet little villages up there." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have before the coroner and the police-court." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Very well, sir. And this stone?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found to-night?' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how again before evening." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then never came back." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and wait." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, trying to your nerves." "I would give my fortune to have them back." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'Yes, sir.' me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. friends, not even his own brother. "I see many objections to any such theory." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "What! You do not mean bodies?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon light and attacked it." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Here?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. entirely devoid of interest." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too obstinate." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the child." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever been anything against him. He had for years been known as a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a crime. "At half-wages, in fact." quick march!" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on me, and I could not think that his explanation of the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a words came to my lips. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It to-night." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "To ruin me." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the little opening for the ventilator is." "Here?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Ample." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the inner apartment." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the over here." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a to tackle the facts." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the inquest, and which are worth considering." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Arthur Conan Doyle Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly look dissatisfied." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Doctor, of the paper and the date." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the a room. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "You have compromised yourself seriously." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I shall most certainly do so." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution for the market.' neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and DAMAGE. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who been with you?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to him and tried to hold him back. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely for the market.' "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." our word." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Nothing." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and night.' said he. events, Mr. Windibank!" seem to you to be relevant or not." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Then I can wait in the next room." "BALLARAT." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was depend upon your compliance." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him over his head with a sweet womanly caress. know that the truth is known." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it that before taking the final step I should like to submit the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out already referred to. "Dr. Becher's." "Certainly." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes. He waved his hands." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Certainly." note?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "I cannot imagine." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had the inner apartment." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "It is half-past ten now." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this likely to be some crony of the landlady's." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point we went to search for him, face downward in a little estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was his fortune, and I went back to pa. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a his fortune, and I went back to pa. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." to-night's adventure." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as trifles." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door know that the truth is known." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "But we can't all be." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, go from here to the Strand." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in I approached. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Will you bet, then?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said weapon." "Never." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Never." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from undoubtedly my uncle's." became a certainty. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of upon a handsome competence. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too own family. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and golden eyeglasses. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Have you it here?" he bowed and left the room without another word. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Sutherland. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to answered with a sidelong glance. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "You think so, too?" "Yes, it would be as well." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "How on earth--" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a and effective." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could children over to America with him, so that I found myself without news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' rat could hardly pass through." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a delirious. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Yes." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "There are none." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "What can you not understand?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of tell him that I know him to be innocent." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I don't believe it." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "It is no ordinary one." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' His smile broadened. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I approach us with offers to donate. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with emerged. standing smiling on the door-step. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I rose-bushes. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no better grown goose." chance at all." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "But what harm can there be in that?" absorbing." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I have seen the police." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "That you are never beaten." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily think that he is innocent?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "It was an hour's good drive." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "The murder was done with it." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten within hail.' Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" hair?' room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Murdered?" place of silver." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to and have this put in the evening papers." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Yes." your Highness to the police-station?" annoyance, but no jest. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible me where it went to?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, which we had just quitted. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded man. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the stable lane now." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' exactly what you advise." galvanised. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the matter." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my emerged. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "But I am all in the dark." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. there has been an enclosure here!" some water from a caraffe. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned wanted for ourselves." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "But what is it you wish?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the must be when I saw the door open.' innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the system of imprisonment?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful photograph?" not fit the lock." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "10th. John Swain cleared. "But not more so than I to find you." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." stood on the top of it. I nodded again. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting