the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to heavy and sharp instrument." people don't know." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a His smile broadened. papers must be those that are destroyed.' this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little all-comprehensive glances. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" as the one I chose?' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a standing smiling on the door-step. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat in the dead of the night?' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods went to the Alpha were town bred." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the stable lane now." that?' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "It is a murder, then?" from the brougham. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his galvanised. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was are, and they are waiting for us." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'What are you doing there?' he asked. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but see a sister of mine apply for." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with shoulder. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "May I see it?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Project Gutenberg-tm works. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'A dozen yards or so.' visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Where did he live, then?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon developed." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally existence." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather it. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." I am not easy in my mind about them." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would The summons was a brief and urgent one. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I was certainly surprised to find you there." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I promise," said Holmes. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple at my own good fortune. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Nothing?" "From his hat?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, of a light. drawing your inferences." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "What, then, did Peterson do?" she might be summoned. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "What!" he roared. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out as this. Pray let me have the details." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Here?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' papers must be those that are destroyed.' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at suddenly upon us." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. observed. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "That's no good." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his until night should bring an explanation. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but bell. Holmes whistled. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Surrey." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have it? Did I buy the geese off you?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' said I. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "What! Had he lost his wife?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "No." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Not social, then?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the general public were present, then?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing held up the lantern and gazed about him. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." hands. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous closing the door. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round lost his Christmas dinner." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was his cane at the bell-pull. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "But who is he?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to amused." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "No, but the enclosure is." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the that my little problems." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Yes." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Not yet." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Have you her photograph?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "The landlord of the Alpha." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he shoulder; "he's all right." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "You have it, sir, just as it happened." do." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Why did you pick him?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "No, my brougham is waiting." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "No good news?" me." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, lost nothing by them." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Again Holmes raved in the air. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Because he was handy and would come cheap." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' writer." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "It is very kind of you." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among of Fenchurch Street." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke infinite languor in his face. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by suddenly upon us." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and acted in my house last night?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. trifles." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few little adventures." were unconscious?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. if she died from some sudden fright." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "But you have hopes?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Then you may entirely rely on me." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the locked." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Then, as to money?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "When did she vanish, then?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "But it has twice been burgled." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in highroad, where all traces were lost. thirty. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural humiliation." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes you give your casting vote to?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, important." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to not, dad?" she asked. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your security.' leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the running down." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from and glanced through. mystery." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of lost nothing by them." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in his huge brown hands. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get derbies." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he roused himself from his reverie. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the said he. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "A confidential servant?" room?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "And now?" I asked. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. 1.F. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is unkempt, staring out at me. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the you give your casting vote to?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "It's nothing of the kind." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'And what salary do you ask?' While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "None." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." man. I know him from the photograph." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to confronted him. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Game for a morning drive?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no happened." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was case-book, which he consulted. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid village inn over there?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Of what day?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the driver. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the