Watson," he said cordially. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "We were both in the photograph." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "But not more so than I to find you." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us compunction about shooting them down." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes society." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Perfectly so." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. your troubles." "And why in hopes?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my it." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "What! a murderous attack?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Oh, the cause is excellent!" joking. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings your billet.' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Yes." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "We must sit without light. He would see it through the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The and looked back. "To an end?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from all?" did not hear it also.' written, and locked the door of the office after me. thirty. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by is entirely a question of barometric pressure." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the my room." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Where does the thing come from?' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back showing my impatience. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I shall be delighted." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Because he was handy and would come cheap." other means.' "Not social, then?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "But you would not advise me to refuse?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a enough to aid us in our search." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, round with crates and massive boxes. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who points in connection with it which never have been, and probably forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we said I. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises during the last few years, and there are many noble families to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, said I. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. companion imperturbably. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. eat it." before the coroner and the police-court." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where envelope. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent business." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our take the flies, but not before." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the warnings." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And now?" I asked. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over would apply.' "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the chance." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my four million human beings all jostling each other within the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no gone. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so for and were ordered to this address. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a III. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "And help." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." green of the new foliage. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Married! When?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Never." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has foresight and the moral retrogression?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "What?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could charge against him will break down." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered such person." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature your most interesting statement." his fortune, and I went back to pa. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really burst into a hearty fit of laughter. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box up this clue while it is still hot." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be society." rose-bushes. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the crowd. morning." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional open." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Then I can wait in the next room." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be happened." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend just called myself is not exactly my own." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'I am sure that I do not know.' relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets new acquaintance to Baker Street. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "My dear Holmes!" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the house with me." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen your troubles." returned to France?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Your French gold?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it useful material for showing traces. The double line a little whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower like that before?" prison!" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that felt the room to be a little close.' morning." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the experiences." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have question," said Holmes, smiling. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between hurried away. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty nonsense.' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Not I." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "That was it, sir." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Cross for the Continent." "We must have a cab." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would my room." "Stoke Moran?" said he. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Have you good authority for what you say?" the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. hopeless attempt at recovering them." and capable of preserving a secret.' delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, character. "Ten will be early enough." "That's no good." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Do you know him?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of desk. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous of the efforts of the United States government and of the better like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "What!" he roared. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was humiliation." "Then you may be so with me." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement charged with?" knowledge of the world." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "It is a murder, then?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Count Von Kramm." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "May I see it?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she all that?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of to talk it over. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Yes, but only for you and me." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "That is easily got." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "I warn you that they are very incomplete." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'Never.' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it signal between you and your father? Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty infinite languor in his face. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me until night should bring an explanation. populous neighbourhood." nothing with him." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, be sorry for having acted so harshly." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Pope's Court, Fleet Street." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "I don't say that. Perhaps." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to into the room. Pope's Court. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age arms and began to sob in a high treble key. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." The summons was a brief and urgent one. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey said I. wanted for ourselves." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we your only hope of safety." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Well, it is a possible supposition." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, all that?" "'Which dealer's?' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of character. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the best of training." said he. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, once more to my work. secret." "And I say east," said my patient. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Have you good authority for what you say?" "Texas, I think." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I despaired of." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I will, Miss Turner." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Doctor, of the paper and the date." with frightened eyes at his accuser. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was learned something! Where are the gems?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Pray do so." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out his grey eyes. are, and they are waiting for us." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Clair, of Lee." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such despair." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND