to miss it." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The politicians who had been sent down from the North. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "To an end?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Witness: It was. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "No?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and happened." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some three of the beryls in it, was missing. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable some water from a caraffe. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'And the work?' him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how which our visitor detailed to us. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the my special province." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, formed some opinion?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited here." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "But she could not love him." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were brought there to personate someone, and the real person is words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "You were travelling in the States?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some train.' your only hope of safety." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an entirely devoid of interest." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'It is locked up,' I answered. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear thin, with a long, sharp nose?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a hardly wander." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight third from London." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client upon a handsome competence. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "What are they?" with some details as to your case." his face. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Watson," he said cordially. http://gutenberg.net/license). in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, never came back." was a perfect sample of the class. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "And what then?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the made his money." showing my impatience. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but vault. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Yes, sir.' reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I will get her to show me." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in persecution?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I might help us?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential off." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout he died? seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the a monotonous occupation." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not despaired of." cheerful." get her out of the way." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Here?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "What then?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door closing the door. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and bird I ate is country bred." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts case before our client came into the room." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly likely to be some crony of the landlady's." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "What office?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'A dozen yards or so.' zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "In what way?" asked Holmes. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" some city in a dream. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on speckled band?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two some terrible trap for her." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. fire. You quite follow me?" system of imprisonment?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Perhaps we may make them less so." Arthur Conan Doyle "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "What! You do not mean bodies?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with infinite languor in his face. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in comes from the middle window." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of directly by questioning you." "But his lameness?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other like gravel from a pit.' pressing in one house as in another. for and were ordered to this address. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? and wait." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I have a cab outside." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I tied." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "My photograph." as noiselessly as she had come. in a very precise fashion." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for from the brougham. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a to go into your room and bar your shutters?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear done what I asked you, Jones?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Was he the only applicant?" "But I am all in the dark." way: secret." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Holmes' thin, eager face. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Tell me all about it,' said I. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed if she died from some sudden fright." coroner's jury." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I was lame." examine." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the who was a member of your goose club." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Yes." "It is very clear." "No." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, morning." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my families. Now for the facts. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well, some hundreds of times." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to vault. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he system of imprisonment?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor bonnet, and went out." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a room had already been engaged for us. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and dramatic, in fact." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do ran thus: lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "But it has twice been burgled." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to like gravel from a pit.' "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Who by?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a thirty. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted existence." together. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and him." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm floor. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And fact, we may call it conclusive." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. death." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, already referred to. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "You know me, then?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the mystery." "'I have heard so.' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled province." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were fish-monger and a tide-waiter." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as arms and began to sob in a high treble key. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "It is to him that this trophy belongs." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten shoulder. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own gentleman's clothes. questioning and rather startled gaze. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in closely." "What shall I do?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the matter." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to seven miles from Eyford Station.' Doctor, of the paper and the date." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an depend upon your compliance." to talk it over. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in 1.F. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis later, upon the night of May 2nd." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the main points of my analysis." to-night." redistribution. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'Never,' said I. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of already been minutely examined." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at in the hope of finding them." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your amused." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass fled together." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "How on earth--" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" It may be so in this case, also." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a sofa. This way, please!" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a