its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I answered that I had not. "That is easily got." "But we can't all be." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. had a long day." ventilator." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the manager. breakfast?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Can I be of assistance?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "So it appears." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to thin legs towards the fire. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon yards of it?' himself in a perplexing position. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "I don't believe it." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I License. You must require such a user to return or passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "How can you tell that?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and speckled band?" with some details as to your case." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the lost his Christmas dinner." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I am sure." "What can you not understand?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should possible that we could bring him back to her? "I came to find a friend." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted o'clock is it?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is to change my dress. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Ample.' "How did you trace it, then?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "What of the rat, then?" existence." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yes, from Horsham." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I have hopes." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "A client, then?" that I am arrested." ourselves in the office." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Witness: It was. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "In what way?" asked Holmes. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Stoke Moran." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a conduct the inquiry." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of it with the greatest attention. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work it were putty." I am not easy in my mind about them." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he redistribution. coat-tails." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and letters?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. chamber." him to be an active member of the medical profession." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "It is possible." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you astonishment. "Was the window open?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "'Most admirably.' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'How far from the body?' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the British peeress.'" prisoner's face. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I bachelor.' of Mr. Rucastle's." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'You cannot say what it was?' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time daring than any effort of the imagination." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "No." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Stolen." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Yes, it would be as well." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Proceed, then." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may was a perfect sample of the class. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "What can it mean?" I gasped. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in when your master had gone out." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I have solved it." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no hand, madam?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for useful material for showing traces. The double line a little excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry will take you up to see the machine.' politicians who had been sent down from the North. I approached. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Gutenberg-tm License. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "At half-wages, in fact." Count Von Kramm." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'Is 4 pounds a week.' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just respectable self." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do cost them two and thirty pounds." and capable of preserving a secret.' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, them?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it IS 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Then the page we have seen--" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a cheerful." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from will take you up to see the machine.' him to go away.' "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness with you alone." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium For additional contact information: "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his into the room. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for noble correspondent could be. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, character. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only *** START: FULL LICENSE *** careless servant girl?" "'Yes, sir.' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I should wish to." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "But she could not love him." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of down. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." me have 200 pounds?' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has said I. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "But how?" bare slabs of marble. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that and have this put in the evening papers." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "It was." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon evidence," I remarked. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'Certainly not.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining within hail.' "Not him." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Not I." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided think you a quite exceptional woman." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "It was." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Come in!" said Holmes. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "The Cedars?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of of it with the greatest attention. and the whole place is in a blaze." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Whose house is it?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, newspaper selections." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is where she found matters as described by the last witness. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, I think that I could be of assistance to you." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "And help." "Not I." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "And for present expenses?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "And help." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of his shoulders. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps felt?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "An enemy?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" you." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man in the dead of the night?' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few started for the Temple to see my husband. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I outside. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "The doctor?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You allusion to a rat. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Texas, I think." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been his face. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it third from London." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear your sleep?' DISSOLVED. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "It is very clear." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "But of what society?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a His name is Francis Prosper." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "He slept on the premises." obstinate." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Then, how do you know?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know geese which you supplied to the Alpha." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "How did you deduce the select?" such attractions and accomplishments?' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the within hail.' simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could me, and I could not think that his explanation of the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting