allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "But your client--" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up chance at all." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "But I am all in the dark." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Nothing." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" too. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the salesman. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "'Yes, it was gone.' it." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "I would pay ten." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to believe that I should never have any practice at all. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "What have you done?" asked Holmes. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to signal between you and your father? can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose window when the police appeared." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to the one as in the other." III. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is there is a decided draught." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that father's place of business?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "I don't believe it." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. already referred to. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'Yes, sir.' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: McCarthy." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" his cane at the bell-pull. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a tell him that I know him to be innocent." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. details." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to where she found matters as described by the last witness. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "The King of Scandinavia." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "And I to find an enemy." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid front of the hall door has given its name to the place. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Not him." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that that?' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "On your arm?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "It is solved." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "It goes to the housekeeper's room." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I cannot think." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "To the police?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in if I call to-morrow?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from stood on the top of it. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a of the vacancies.' "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it presented which may be striking and bizarre without being gbnewby@pglaf.org "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his keep the flames under. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Married! When?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her ago." within hail.' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable public press." your own bird, so if you wish--" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I assure you that I am in your hands." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." not personally threatened." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. pressing in one house as in another. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Then I can wait in the next room." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "And I." again, where I was soon asleep. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that in this way: It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no just ask you whether you had heard it.' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and colour had been driven from his face. to Leatherhead. again before evening." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "And how have you succeeded?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' business at Coburg Square is serious." legal crime." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which too. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black danger is over." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "A thing like a cleaver," said he. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Well, but China?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Of what?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "My dear Holmes!" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped suddenly upon us." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another handed it to him. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to bill, which interests me deeply." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" to take care of herself." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. I held the little printed slip to the light. come either from the window or the door. My attention was impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I was certainly surprised to find you there." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. detained." "'And the work?' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It missed him, then?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep union?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "It missed him, then?" "Why did you pick him?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. province." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my not, dad?" she asked. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired up this clue while it is still hot." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the south-west, I see." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "'I am sure that I do not know.' bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "The rest you will leave in our hands." compunction about shooting them down." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every call it cruel." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'How far from the body?' case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, whole matter to your consideration." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" his forehead." "And sit in the dark?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right go--none." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone at home. already been minutely examined." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, both be extremely obliged.' "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in London for the present?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "It may not come to that," said Holmes. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the carriage. It was a chestnut." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." locked. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. grasp, he hurried from the room. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It late." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn have had none more fantastic than this." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of carpenter." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was chemical work which was so dear to him. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Surrey." of Fenchurch Street." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. morning." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "'Never,' said I. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after I took the paper from him and read as follows: Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a with her." him and tried to hold him back. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker present." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he The events in question occurred in the early days of my little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her delirious. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of mysterious end." "It's nothing of the kind." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the that, and I came down." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the inner apartment." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was were new raised from a basin. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." call you and give you the chance." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" tension within him. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several seem to you to be relevant or not." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew detective. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to ceremony." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the running down."