result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the nursery. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied he bowed and left the room without another word. woman." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and again before evening." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' once more to my work. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the address that was given us in the advertisement. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Yes." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I very old mansion. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your photograph?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray entirely devoid of interest." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the armchair which I pushed forward for him. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, gone. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the any." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Yesterday." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in points in connection with it which never have been, and probably that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "No. What a strange idea!" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Certainly, madam." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes your co-operation." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Lee, in the county of Kent." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'In my own bureau.' copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. union?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered License. You must require such a user to return or he. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed intimate personal affairs in this public manner." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might indeed happy." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than as the one I chose?' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the his cane at the bell-pull. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' comes from the middle window." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "An enemy?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Yes, certainly." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been became a certainty. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** go from here to the Strand." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the warnings." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "My dear Holmes!" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. asked. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Why? What do you mean?" "Imitated." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Absolutely none." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the four million human beings all jostling each other within the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should returned to France?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "'Certainly,' I answered. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "So I heard. You have him here?" house for five minutes.' "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "What of the rat, then?" quite distinctive." "Yes, certainly." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "What! a murderous attack?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that green of the new foliage. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as said I. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I will do it." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Nothing?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the fasten all the windows?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Murdered?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he I was concerned in it." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "The King of Scandinavia." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Eyford." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I assure you that I am in your hands." "At what time?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, McCarthy's innocence. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had things are very often connected not with the larger but with the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the national property. I was determined that the law should have its the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I see no marks." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he sofa. This way, please!" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money just called myself is not exactly my own." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, help us in this matter." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "It's nothing of the kind." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other his eyes and forehead. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "But what will you do?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his was used.' came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there been deceived." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Could he throw no light?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her shall not find me ungrateful." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "The Cedars?" fasten all the windows?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Come in!" said he. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "You have but to name it." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Will you bet, then?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." followed. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is vanished into the darkness. "Is he quiet?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he and put his glass in his pocket. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had maid will bring up your coffee." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a occupations.' foot. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him shadow pass over his face as I spoke. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. which our visitor detailed to us. The summons was a brief and urgent one. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so at a side door. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a his cane at the bell-pull. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Henry Baker is a member." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the Red-headed League." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis security.' "How did you deduce the select?" crowd. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, opportunities to fix the problem. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a intrusion of other matters." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to as he remarks, very much against the son." asked. to change my dress. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Breckinridge is his name." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two signal between you and your father? This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with have got?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from rat could hardly pass through." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It States. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "My dear Holmes!" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia happened." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin how narrow had been my escape. one of them." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "To ruin me." "And Irene Adler?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Yes, sir." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' made him keep the appointment." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would colonel looking down at me. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were to-night's adventure." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her introspective fashion. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had when you have done it." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office and laid it on the table. papers." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Could he throw no light?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are of a light. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in ventilator." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "What, then?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Have you it here?" closing the door. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'About the same.' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the instituted." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "The murder was done with it." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our carried out of court." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. go from here to the Strand." six. Come in!" few hundred pounds.' from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not people don't know." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "It looks newer than the other things?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the do.' your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet bare slabs of marble. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal how narrow had been my escape. ourselves in the office." "One of his hands." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Certainly." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "But what harm can there be in that?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All you." felt the room to be a little close.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, The events in question occurred in the early days of my to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fear." the warnings."