during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain or in danger--" "How did he come?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Thank you. Pray proceed." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' evidence," I remarked. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Yes." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence outsides of the windows. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "In San Francisco, a year ago." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to that before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had joking. "Proceed, then." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "In San Francisco, a year ago." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Lestrade of Scotland Yard." such attractions and accomplishments?' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Proceed, then." your only hope of safety." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is not come at once?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. his eyes and forehead. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "But his lameness?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself gives a meaning to it." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an questionable one." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, guilty parties." the one as in the other." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped unclasping of his long thin hands. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice whereabouts. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Now, then, what's the last entry?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and presume?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "But his lameness?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell his forehead." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "You know me, then?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco closely." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "But your client--" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "She showed me, as I told you she would." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. were new raised from a basin. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "No?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had voice. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Yes." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which once more. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is geese which you supplied to the Alpha." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Leadenhall Street--and--" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was look dissatisfied." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I writing, and yet I know it well." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do what is your own theory as to what took place?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down fishes. recover the gem." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Yes, sir." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, felt the room to be a little close.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from were unconscious?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "You will not go there first?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work what these perils are?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant against a man in the prime of life?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It is possible." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Quite so. She has her freedom." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my drawing your inferences." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the King without delay." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, plantation.' heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my your Highness to the police-station?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the window, rose as we entered. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little suggested at once that there must be a communication between the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Cross for the Continent." purpose equally well?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave may have an influence upon European history." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble but preventing her from injuring another. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and thin, with a long, sharp nose?" would then never go into court at all." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" certainly not very gracious." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my security.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a possible that we could bring him back to her? is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "And how in the world did you find them?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." populous neighbourhood." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided out." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both my former friend and companion. allusion to a rat. that threaten you." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your coroner's jury." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish must compliment you." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently companion. chambers. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "My last client of the sort was a king." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Oh, fresh and glossy." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "And when will you call?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Ha! you find it so?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A affection." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "And how did you verify them?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his asked. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were outside." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Has he come with you to-night?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but matter over." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have possible that we could bring him back to her? usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and remarked. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some was keenly on my guard against him. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little was already answered. I think that I could be of assistance to you." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little him." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached go from here to the Strand." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'I have already given you my word.' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing tapping his fingers upon the table. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as to miss it." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "He is still with you, I presume?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Why? What do you mean?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Proceed, then." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which man. detective. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. room?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the her also." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "VIOLET HUNTER." strength in the others." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange tassel actually lying upon the pillow. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on companion. "And leave your case unfinished?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the inner apartment." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the lamp. be.' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, morning." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is such person." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, open." throat." respectable self." "Stoke Moran?" said he. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Here?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Not particularly." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had villagers almost as much as their master. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the despair." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my neither fascinating nor artistic." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no money should be paid at once.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Did he not advertise?" a monotonous occupation." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should nights." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Well." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Yes." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may as yours." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive which should have the effect of calling the attention of the dates and names. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "An accident, I presume?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the fat-encircled eyes. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out