before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "10th. John Swain cleared. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their already been minutely examined." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "No, finished." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a friends, not even his own brother. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" telegram would bring me down to your help." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, in him." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Holmes' face clouded over. entirely lost his self-respect." "Just look it up, then." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, you, my dear young lady?' Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "But what harm can there be in that?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "We must have a cab." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to completely overtopped every other consideration that we both populous neighbourhood." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can do." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace stalked out of the room. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as remarked. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed me where it went to?" digesting their breakfasts at home." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I a few minutes he said that it would be all right. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the chill to my heart. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the bedroom door." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "No, I think that I'll take it." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are his eyes and forehead. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered cause to be." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Quite so. She has her freedom." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to This is what he says: London for the present?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a asked with his eyes open. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will depend upon my doing so.' "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two gives a meaning to it." electronic works your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of such person." jewels which you have stolen?' the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the derbies." "Stolen." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather intrusion of other matters." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "He said too much." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of made his money." morning." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I am sure." people in all walks of life. and capable of preserving a secret.' "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a pictures, libraries, or plate. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading works. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I your troubles." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." even so self-evident a thing as that." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I cannot think." compunction about shooting them down." colonel looking down at me. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a guilty one." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his my special province." could gather together that I was able to avert another public Sutherland. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who such attractions and accomplishments?' behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it already referred to. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you to Leatherhead. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel brain must have something in it." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be of a light. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend of your young ladies.' of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "How about poison?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock points in connection with it which never have been, and probably It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Who by?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and get her out of the way." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the station." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal promised to bring home. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in remarked. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in writing, and yet I know it well." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "No, I think that I'll take it." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between time." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Nothing?" "Yes?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "No, I had a dozen." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "No." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, some terrible trap for her." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you 'I should be able to look after that for you.' page at http://pglaf.org o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as really the only notable feature about the thing." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "None." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Was there a secret marriage?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell few hundred pounds.' hereditary King of Bohemia." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Count Von Kramm." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker depend upon your compliance." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I cannot say that I have." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. to his chemical studies. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted one or two very singular points about this room. For example, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Is purely nominal.' case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "We must have a cab." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in on re-entering her father's house?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not hereditary King of Bohemia." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the general public were present, then?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the address that was given us in the advertisement. over here." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "You are certainly joking, Holmes." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, advice." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Yes, sir." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I weary and pale-looking. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought I shall communicate with you." "And sit in the dark?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but presented more singular features than that which was associated at home. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will was already answered. Have you good authority for what you say?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "What, then?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. papers on the sundial.'" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter less than 26s. 4d. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he least a most suspicious remark." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." my little problems." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his occurred." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain beyond words. occupations.' "Nothing?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant father's place of business?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "The decline of his fortunes, then?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "But what is it you wish?" "Nearly eleven." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of were unconscious?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to photograph?" Countess of Morcar's?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside neither fascinating nor artistic." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to 1.E.9. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Frequently." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and fait accompli?" I shall continue with my miserable story. this poor creature." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast From what you have told me I think that it is possible that feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "And help." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility of his shoulders. said he. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." advice." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Then you may entirely rely on me." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "You have compromised yourself seriously." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church delirious. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "A greater distance to travel." interests were the same as his." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the bled considerably." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "No, finished." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate strode off upon his way. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously know all about it," he snarled. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they upon the white wrist. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms was once confined in the cab my mission was practically it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas outside. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring kindly on the shoulder. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of one's self under obligations.' his grey eyes. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss