hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I am still in the dark." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. own family. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can place no limit on the sum I may draw." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few 1.E.9. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up putting in the horse. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Pray continue your narrative." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his as he remarks, very much against the son." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Did he not advertise?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still placed his cuttings. in his hands." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came flock.' least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "And for present expenses?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any answer." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor himself in a perplexing position. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Sutherland?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "And you thought he was pulled back?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I appeal." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy have had none more fantastic than this." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you him, that man would not have given me such complete information coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell The telegram which we eventually received came late one night veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable of fine shops and stately business premises that they really The summons was a brief and urgent one. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "No, I am descending." them, and came down just as you departed. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "I promise," said Holmes. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended your most interesting statement." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at together. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called drove away. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a delirious. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson never will be, entirely cleared up. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Yes." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish up this clue while it is still hot." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the went to the Alpha were town bred." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. everything which you would wish to know." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'Oh, no.' initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I less than 26s. 4d. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up papers." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock in a very precise fashion." have I gained?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "And why in hopes?" vanished into the darkness. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the easy-going way." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can thought that she would have been so carried away." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' persecution?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey begun to whiten, even as mine has." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I am sure." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, ready to-morrow?' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Can I be of assistance?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to signal between you and your father? "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "And what did you see?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" question. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed round with crates and massive boxes. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Really! You surprise me." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main beyond words. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Oh, yes, easily." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in started for the Temple to see my husband. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Yes, they were peculiar boots." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done to change my dress. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "On the contrary, this is the right side." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small gbnewby@pglaf.org I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." himself to hunt down. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must fire. You quite follow me?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of my little problems." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'Is purely nominal.' just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, look upon these things in a different way." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "But to whom?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical help us in this matter." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or instituted." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely me." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: some place of shelter and let the county police know what has a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I don't say that. Perhaps." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Absolutely?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, furiously. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Well?" a good hundred miles off by now." your most interesting statement." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "It goes to the housekeeper's room." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in himself to hunt down. overpowering excitement and concern. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and individual and becomes the badge of a society." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to that you wished to speak to me?' attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew imbecility!" he cried. "I will do it." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" allusion to a rat. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. from the brougham. "Oh, fresh and glossy." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." before the coroner and the police-court." was already answered. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I presented which may be striking and bizarre without being months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Leadenhall Street--and--" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and and effective." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance recall any case within my experience which looked at the first although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say not interfere, come what may. You understand?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "But it has twice been burgled." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Absolutely?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say on re-entering her father's house?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the works. See paragraph 1.E below. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative was already answered. works. See paragraph 1.E below. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are floor. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "What do you make of that, Watson?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which do.' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can legal crime." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it from you?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Yes, but only for you and me." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the manager. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a think that any burglar could have done. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "You have carte blanche." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Holmes' thin, eager face. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of my friend's incisive reasoning. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I bears upon the case?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "And how did he make his money?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle his cane at the bell-pull. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out tell them apart.' "You will not go there first?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty eavesdroppers?' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through their singular warning or token before them when starting upon prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Mary, has deserted me." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" exactly what you advise." "Precisely." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went friends, not even his own brother. eavesdroppers?' That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "But I have heard all that you have heard." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I nonsense.' gives a meaning to it." about. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." noble correspondent could be. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for investigation." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "It is very clear." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Come in!" said he. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "If I can be of use." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your tapping his fingers upon the table. upon the white wrist. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some night.' said he. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate someone who had been in Australia." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight