as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows kind enough to tell me what I should do." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "What can you not understand?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "That is not always so easy." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." question," said Holmes, smiling. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a 11:15.' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several into the room. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced made him keep the appointment." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated without a word or a look. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." shoulder. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our means taking possession of that which another person has a prior bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." instincts rose up against that laugh. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual in. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her made him keep the appointment." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley whether it answered to the description of any of their more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Then he might have called to you?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' mysterious end." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped out." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think companion quietly. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "We must have a cab." "No." "And how have you succeeded?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey wife's character?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "And is that all?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how again on its way. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune was already answered. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and father's young wife. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "One?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Here?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' in darkness. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just His smile broadened. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical several quiet little villages up there." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the night.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "No, my brougham is waiting." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Young McCarthy must be got off, however." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I know where it is." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. your most interesting statement." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite south, for the country is more deserted there." but preventing her from injuring another. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "The Cedars?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, in his power. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have some terrible trap for her." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, keep the flames under. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in fait accompli?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "And now?" He raised his hand. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Of what?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my newspaper selections." have not had my rubber." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had during that time.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in stood on the top of it. fatally injured? home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes you give your casting vote to?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the room while you explain this matter?" "The Cedars?" Clair, of Lee." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the coronet in his hand?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" in. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "In answer to an advertisement." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project in him." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he friends, not even his own brother. "I have my revolver," said I. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." way in." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. which our visitor detailed to us. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "The murder was done with it." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Imitated." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he during which he might have communicated with his friend the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "That sounds a little paradoxical." place of silver." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Well, but China?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did fact, we may call it conclusive." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Because he was handy and would come cheap." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Do you go out much in society?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my fluttered off among the others. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again society." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a spare." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have is four-and-twenty." see a sister of mine apply for." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "What then?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the a room. "Where to?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" fasten all the windows?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "And leave your case unfinished?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I cannot tell." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we bled considerably." suddenly upon us." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Is he quiet?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'Oh, no.' with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "And how?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the running down." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** this remarkable episode. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'Entirely.' "We have tried and failed." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by during that time.' to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not brain must have something in it." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day giving me time to thank him. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a which was all perfectly true. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but and I shall be with you presently." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "And sit in the dark?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Holmes' room. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past said I. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "That is also quite modern," said the lady. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an of them has the shutters up.' written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must a suggestive one." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the chamber." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune to tell." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, it right.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a papers must be those that are destroyed.' vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. will be renamed. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "You were travelling in the States?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Yes." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "That is also quite modern," said the lady. should be so warm over such a trifle." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "No, I am descending." companion quietly. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "One of his hands." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "An accident, I presume?" washing it down with a long draught of water. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and once more to my work. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the you?' affection." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I way in." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." said Mr. Holder. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Literary Archive Foundation letters?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "What shall I do?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of wedding?" answered with a sidelong glance. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness seen the man in the road." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "That is easily got." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones both be extremely obliged.' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as