can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Lee, in the county of Kent." murdered man." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." License. You must require such a user to return or quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "What, then?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "And how did you find out?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. the stones. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his intimate personal affairs in this public manner." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your forbidden door. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by horse could go." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Yes, he did." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For business." into the bag, and made for the door. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Yes, certainly." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally at once, for I have only half an hour." "I was afraid that you were engaged." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the should be so warm over such a trifle." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "And why?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that cigar and let me expound." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "No sign of it?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! weighed down with some great anxiety. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him papers on the sundial.'" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "And the murderer?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of in a very precise fashion." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. look upon these things in a different way." generous with you in money matters.' "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some presented more singular features than that which was associated she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and License. You must require such a user to return or glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Certainly." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Eyford." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. hands. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Absolutely none." knowledge of the world." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in murdered man." written. like that before?" criminal. We have already had experience of such." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I assure you that I am in your hands." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no voice, changing her seat as requested. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our strength in the others." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while directors, with the result that you have seen." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Were they all fastened this morning?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a bedroom door." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "None." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly kind enough to tell me what I should do." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I see many objections to any such theory." "Has he come with you to-night?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught spare." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at key turn in the lock." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "But his left-handedness." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Where did he live, then?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be approach us with offers to donate. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, footfalls from the street. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Here?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend served to weaken the effect. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect there was no need for father to know." might have a private word with us. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I think it very unlikely." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." too. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned into the bag, and made for the door. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Yes, he did." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening pressing in one house as in another. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you daring than any effort of the imagination." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Eh? What was that?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the in the dead of the night?' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "But who is he?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean IS merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. about. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with views." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the correct than the official force." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low horse could go." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Of what?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Sutherland. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Of Friday, June 19th." his grey eyes. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was ceremony." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Holmes rather sternly. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Chief Executive and Director "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." it. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. said he. "Where, then, is my wife?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the some terrible trap for her." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), your room." quick march!" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son clanging. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Proceed, then." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler bird of prey. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for foresight and the moral retrogression?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "To the police?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much down. that qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'Never.' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found stepfather?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'I have already given you my word.' 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the of Fenchurch Street." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "It certainly sounds feasible." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you may never be exposed to such a temptation." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage it." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second enter into my head. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "What can it mean?" I gasped. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at look dissatisfied." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young your room." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time in this way: such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "No, finished." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" nothing of it?" someone who had been in Australia." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was companion imperturbably. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "No, my brougham is waiting." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an advice." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's furiously. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "And how did you find out?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I that there was nothing in it, after all." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent never will be, entirely cleared up. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Munro.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project The summons was a brief and urgent one. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he head. So long, then!" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I assure you that I am in your hands." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Nothing?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I thought that she would have been so carried away." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Well." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Yes." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. south, for the country is more deserted there." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became desk. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There writer." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would woman." "You think that he is dead?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. brandy and water within his reach. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and shall probably return to London by the evening train." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' fact, we may call it conclusive." the station." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. pierced for earrings?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's interested in these little problems, and since you are good be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. said he. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went standing smiling on the door-step. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as direction." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen seem to you to be relevant or not." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" II. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in security.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front that you saw all that I did." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Yes, I have one waiting." heavy and sharp instrument." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. speckled band?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said During two years I have had three consultations and one small fuss that is made over them." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here