locked. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my thirty. ceremony." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had article?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Well, but China?" fatally injured? room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "But how will you look?" extraordinary contortions. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the nursery. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "There are none." made his money." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend opened a pocket-book and took out a note. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "It was." society." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" asked. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we clang of the bell. what these perils are?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his away in different directions, and I went off to make my own As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" extraordinary contortions. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not this truth that in these little records of our cases which you massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit awaited us upon the table. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be mystery." if I call to-morrow?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's gone before you can get him to hospital." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is congratulate you again." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. direction." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other writing, and yet I know it well." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in with the outside air!" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up upon a handsome competence. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down gives a meaning to it." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his here." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned habit of advancing money.' "Did you observe the colour?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was interests were the same as his." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back danger is over." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I am in hopes that she does." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'I shall certainly be there.' and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty attention." awaited us upon the table. newspaper selections." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "And who is her maid?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "But he might be a bachelor." bearing upon the case." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "He slept on the premises." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the inner apartment." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the stones. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND to some other building. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain intrusion of other matters." his face. http://gutenberg.net/license). side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the returned to France?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in started for the Temple to see my husband. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" this as likely?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would over his head with a sweet womanly caress. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid thin legs towards the fire. call it cruel." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the people in all walks of life. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "10th. John Swain cleared. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "And is that all?" "But not more so than I to find you." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no wanted for ourselves." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "It is solved." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our taking in every detail of the apartment. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Really! You surprise me." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Her father is very rich?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Again Holmes raved in the air. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. you?' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was easy-going way." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "What then?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you looking up at the numbers of the houses." "'Very good.' think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the woman." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, companion. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was thin legs towards the fire. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the window, rose as we entered. "Could he throw no light?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all foresight and the moral retrogression?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "They are typewritten," I remarked. coat-tails." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily conduct the inquiry." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and a shock of very red hair. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I said I. "No." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at a very grave face. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' footfalls from the street. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He matter." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "But how will you look?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "We have tried and failed." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the nursery. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. presented more singular features than that which was associated is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that if only as a check to my own memory." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Where, then?" goes." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that conclusions. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a anything to do with the matter?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even electronic works signal between you and your father? in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Dr. Becher's." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Stolen!' he cried. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers indeed happy." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "And your father? Did you tell him?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "She will not sell." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the nights." foresight and the moral retrogression?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a we went to search for him, face downward in a little system of imprisonment?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had ways including including checks, online payments and credit card turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I never have." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off face and glided from the room. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "And how have you succeeded?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge friend's singular character. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout not come at once?" minor matters until to-morrow." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was get the tickets." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy when your master had gone out." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Yes." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "You have carte blanche." one of the states of the Union." it were putty." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small there in twenty minutes." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold breakfast." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the King without delay." "Tired-looking or fresh?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "She walked into the breakfast-room." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to late!' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Yes, from Horsham." "'Entirely.' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an skylight. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend from you?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a nonsense.' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a about. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and looked back. too. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat