that ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a key of the affair now." "It surprised me." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "And you can do nothing until then?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Again Holmes raved in the air. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the unclasping of his long thin hands. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Project Gutenberg-tm works. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Perfectly so." exactly what you advise." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat perplexity from it to my illustrious client. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The crime. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Of what?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you there!' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a fatally injured? Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped he died? coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at woven round him. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it you?' When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and or in danger--" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Witness: I must still refuse. McCarthy's innocence. are, I think, all that we need." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the nursery. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see My friend smiled. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her it? Did I buy the geese off you?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his passage and a tap at the door. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with records." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had my special province." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Come in!" said he. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Where did he live, then?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them there was no need for father to know." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady that he has suffered." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my system of imprisonment?" upon the sideboard." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then again on its way. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not populous neighbourhood." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "But the mystery?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the stable lane now." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the with frightened eyes at his accuser. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "You are hungry," I remarked. "And you can do nothing until then?" "Yes, at the mines." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, unkempt, staring out at me. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. I nodded to show that I had heard. "Stolen." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on know what is wrong with it.' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "He said too much." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called instincts rose up against that laugh. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that said I. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Entirely." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a wall." o'clock is it?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "But how?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted appeared upon the scene." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Can I be of assistance?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, be. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Ah!" "Yes, only one." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I better in every way that they should make their position a little "Married! When?" of a light. "Then how many are there?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Well, some hundreds of times." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND more solid." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have certainly do as you advise." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "She told me to ask you." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I should wish to." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his and the church but not where the lady lived." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the night.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, your Highness to the police-station?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must allusion to a rat. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the nursery. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of despaired of." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the events, Mr. Windibank!" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace photograph?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "May I see it?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, in this way: "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my conversation I have gathered that they have been married about follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "No legal papers or certificates?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' stepfather?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she in his hands." "The Cedars?" "Then you may be so with me." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to delirious. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Count Von Kramm." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but you do it in twenty minutes!' doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief excitement. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I shall be delighted." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "I cannot imagine." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a I am not easy in my mind about them." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my spare." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Stoke Moran?" said he. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "No. His orders were to stay in the house." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary felt?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them cigars in their mouths. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "When did it break out?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "What do you make of that, Watson?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I have a cab outside." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which writer." distinguish the words: young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor you?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Precisely." the loss of it. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in of the way of danger. "Nearly eleven." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "A confidential servant?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "And how have you succeeded?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of three fields round his house, and there he would take his happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'You cannot say what it was?' the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Come in!" said he. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I been." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, an introduction to him?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger brought there to personate someone, and the real person is her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few like gravel from a pit.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Cross for the Continent." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Ha! you find it so?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business is four-and-twenty." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Never to return." little trying to do so much typewriting?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Come in!" said Holmes. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very yards of it?' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "When did it break out?" "Where to?" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from door?" him to go away.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the were new raised from a basin. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of could not have written that. It is the German who is so Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern status with the IRS. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project of Fenchurch Street." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival question," said Holmes, smiling. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it nonsense.' work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Well, some hundreds of times." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Quite so. She has her freedom." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked that, and I came down." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 tear off another piece?' the coronet in his hand?" been shamefully used." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. where we are going." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to meant it for the best. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my