man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "And that is--" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "No?" of a light. My friend smiled. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "And you can do nothing until then?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the overpowering excitement and concern. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the be best to do. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most whether it answered to the description of any of their was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'Most admirably.' Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "'What then?' I asked. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." works. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly note?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. it. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "No sign of it?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it highroad, where all traces were lost. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out him. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise were unconscious?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Of what day?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the entirely devoid of interest." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning that the gas is not laid on in his house?" visitors." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Sutherland?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he fatally injured? occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the respectable self." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "What shall I do?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat swore that no one else had been in the front room during the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit indeed which he could not unravel. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Then you may be so with me." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Her father is very rich?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence have I gained?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "No, I think that I'll take it." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "What do you make of that, Watson?" of it with the greatest attention. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend helping a boy to put up the shutters. II. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? His smile broadened. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and stepfather?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and inquire as to the address." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the of the vacancies.' "'Yes, sir.' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Yes, I have one waiting." away into the river." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. sufficient punishment." "I promise," said Holmes. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Witness: It was. "My private note-paper." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Then I do not see the point." "How are you getting on?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I cannot think." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "You think so, too?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and were new raised from a basin. business came to an end." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander occurred." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round at my own good fortune. "No. What a strange idea!" new duties?' best detective that ever lived. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as manager. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me a monotonous occupation." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the morning and make my own way in the world.' while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their notes," he said. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had least a most suspicious remark." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her lost nothing by them." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one dates and names. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by hardly wander." my former friend and companion. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up daring than any effort of the imagination." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography nothing of it?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "He said too much." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Look there!" said he. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the driver. you." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of individual and becomes the badge of a society." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in DISSOLVED. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to Holmes' thin, eager face. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." affection." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that of his shoulders. back into the street. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your presented which may be striking and bizarre without being your own bird, so if you wish--" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "And the murderer?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'Stolen!' he cried. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save breakfast?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which bedroom door." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open just ask you whether you had heard it.' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." instincts rose up against that laugh. which our visitor detailed to us. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case sparkled upon his finger. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "So I am. Very much so." must be when I saw the door open.' side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it and your relations to her." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended could go. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little your room." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in goes." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was already referred to. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the matter?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I do." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. client, rising. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" have established a very serious case against the son of the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your and shall probably return to London by the evening train." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "To an end?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "'Ample.' ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he his fortune, and I went back to pa. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the warnings." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which my little problems." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was way in everything. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced client, rising. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had of the one which your family is now devouring." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge as he folded up the epistle. his forehead." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "You are hungry," I remarked. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to with the outside air!" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable remarked. "What! Had he lost his wife?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'Yes, sir.' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and certainly not very gracious." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped and I shall be with you presently." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Yes, certainly." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed problems help me to do so." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "None." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. have been better. It is all right." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'Ample.' will he say when he returns?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "An enemy?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "You horrify me!" presume?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way do.' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the direction." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear danger is over." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's instituted." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock my room." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is instincts rose up against that laugh. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "And I to find an enemy." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious when your master had gone out." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which with some details as to your case." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "You have the photograph?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the morning and make my own way in the world.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go said he. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." washing it down with a long draught of water. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Was there a secret marriage?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, evidence," I remarked. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said